Christopher BarrettThe Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) and Music Venue Trust (MVT) has won the support of Arts Council England to create a new networking day for the grassroots live music sector.
Created with the aim of attracting bookers, programmers, promoters and agents from across the sector, the Grassroots Networking Day will take place on 14 October at 229 London. The project has won the support of ATC-Live, Runway Artists, International Talent Booking (ITB), Pure Represents and Primary Talent.
The pilot event is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Arts Council England director of music Claire Mera-Nelson said, “It’s fantastic to see the creation of a dedicated space for discussion about shared challenges, and the ways that collaboration, partnership and the exchange of ideas and creative solutions can help support the sector going forward.”
“Live music is an ecosystem where audiences, artists and freelancers move in and out of grassroots venues, festivals and shows on their journey perhaps without noticing that these three pillars are so intertwined yet also unique and distinct,” said AIF CEO John Rostron. “I’m so pleased that we three representative organisations have found common ground and are coming together to work in this way, bringing those who book, programme, develop and showcase artists into a space for what will be an incredibly fruitful day.”