UK Government Backs the Local Music Industry with the ‘Turn It Up’ Program

The UK Government has announced an initiative called “Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music,” confirming its commitment to “back thousands of grassroots projects, over 40,000 artists and businesses, and millions of children to secure a thriving industry.”

The details:

• An additional £15 million will be added to the £30 million already committed to The Music Growth Package, which will support more than 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music professionals over the next three years.

• For the first time, the funding will also be used to support mid-career artists, band managers, labels, and publishers.

• At least £12.5 million will be invested to transform libraries into music lending libraries with free studio spaces and live performance opportunities, which will be co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation and other partners.

• At least £10 million in funding will go to a creative mentoring scheme, through which thousands of young people will receive mentoring and opportunities in music, art, film, and drama.

• Under the initiative, reforms will be made to the licensing system to help live music and events.

• They will include increasing the number of Temporary Event Notices, and offering longer, more secure licenses for festivals and other events, with minimum three-year contracts for new events and five-year contracts for existing events.

• Investment in the UK Government’s music trade mission will be upped by nearly 50%.

Leadership:

• Michael Dugher, former CEO of UK Music, has been appointed the Government’s first Music Champion, to strengthen engagement between Government and the music industry and provide a dedicated advocate for the sector.

Industry feedback:

• Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music: “UK Music has previously called on the government to deliver a long-term music strategy to help safeguard and grow our world-leading industry that contributes £8 billion to the economy, brings in £4.8 billion in export revenues and supports 220,000 jobs. It is welcome that the government have listened to our calls and are launching a Music Plan.”

• Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE: “It’s very encouraging to see Government recognizing the importance of music in the UK Music Plan. We must continue to back every part of the live music ecosystem, from grassroots venues and emerging artists through to the arenas, stadiums, and festivals that showcase British talent to the world."

• Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England: “Music is one of the UK’s greatest exports, known and loved the world over. The Government's backing through the Music Plan is investing in our collective future, ensuring creative opportunities for generations to come.”