Labour calls for urgent help to save grassroots music venues in crisis
Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has announced today at the Music Venue Trust’s ‘Venue Day 2015’ conference that Labour will develop a new package of measures to help support small music venues, as part of Labour’s review of investment in the arts and culture. This will include:
1. Protecting small music venues through the adoption of the “Agent of Change” principle;
2. Looking at Government subsidies for the arts being given directly to small music venues;
3. Reviewing whether tax breaks should be given to small music venues, like the Government has implemented for orchestras and the film industry;
4. Considering whether small music venues should be allowed to pay reduced business rates;
5. Supporting small music venues by boosting tourism around our musical heritage.
Speaking at the Venue Day 2015 conference, Michael Dugher MP, the Shadow Culture Secretary, said:
“Since 2010, the Conservative Government have just stood by whilst more and more grassroots music venues have been forced to close.
“Small music venues play a key role in the success of the UK creative industry through enabling great young talent to grow and develop into our next global stars. But there is a real crisis at the moment and that’s why we need a national strategy to support small music venues before many more shut.
“As part of Labour’s review of investment in the arts and culture, Labour will be developing a new package of measures to help support small music venues. It’s time to see urgent action before it’s too late.”
ENDS
Notes
· Of the 430 music venues that traded in London between 2007 and 2015, only 245 are still open. (Music Venue Trust - http://musicvenuetrust.com/2015/09/final-encore-for-uks-live-music-venues-as-noise-rules-lead-to-closures/)
· Under the Agent of Change principle, an apartment block to be built near an established live music venue would have to pay for soundproofing, while a live music venue opening in a residential area would be responsible for the costs. A resident who moves next door to a music venue would be assessed as having made that decision understanding that there’s going to be some music noise.
· The Agent of Change principle has already been implemented in Australia and the outcome has been improved planning; venues working alongside their communities to manage their noise when it changes and developers making better residences that are fit for purpose.
(via labourpress)
