The UK Government has announced a comprehensive plan to support the music industry, to expand opportunities for artists, venues, and young people across the country.
The Music Growth Package will receive an additional £15 million, bringing total investment to £45 million over three years and supporting more than 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music professionals.
For the first time, funding will also be directed towards mid-career artists, band managers, labels, and publishers, broadening the scope of support within the sector.
A new Music in Libraries initiative will see at least £12.5 million invested to transform libraries into music lending spaces, offering free studio access and live performance opportunities.
This programme, co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation, aims to make music resources more accessible to communities across England.
At least £10 million will fund a Creative Mentoring scheme, providing care experienced children and young people with one-to-one support from creative practitioners, helping them explore music and other creative disciplines.
Changes to event licensing will increase the number of Temporary Event Notices from 15 to 20 per year and extend the total event days from 21 to 26, giving venues and emerging artists greater flexibility.
Longer, more secure licences for festivals are also being introduced, with minimum three-year contracts for new events and five-year contracts for existing ones.
The Government will increase investment in its music trade mission programme by nearly 50%, with additional support for the British Music Embassy at South by Southwest in Austin, helping UK talent reach new international audiences.
Michael Dugher, former CEO of UK Music, has been appointed as the Government’s first Music Champion to strengthen engagement between government and the music industry.
Other measures include a 15% business rates relief for live music venues, digital processing for ATA Carnets to ease touring, and reforms to music education, including a reformed National Curriculum and a new National Centre for arts education launching in September.
Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music, commented: “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 said: “It’s encouraging to see the Government recognising the importance of music through the UK Music Plan. We must continue supporting the whole live music ecosystem, from grassroots venues and emerging artists to arenas, stadiums and festivals. By working together, Government and industry can ensure the UK remains the best place to discover, develop and experience live music.”
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said: “Music is one of the UK’s greatest exports, and the Government’s Music Plan is an investment in our creative future. Arts Council England will play its part by delivering the Music Growth Package, supporting artists and the people who help them at every stage of their careers.”
Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected said: “Libraries have inspired a love of music for generations and can help young people develop the skills and confidence to enter the music industry. This funding will create even more opportunities for creativity and help nurture the next generation of musicians, producers and creative talent.”
Dr Renuka Fernando, CEO, Ed Sheeran Foundation said: “The Music in Libraries programme is an important step for music education, giving more children and young people the chance to engage with music wherever they live. By working with government, libraries and the music industry, we hope to expand access to music and its many educational and wellbeing benefits.”
