Christopher BarrettThe UK arm of global venue management giant ASM Global has outlined a fundraising programme, in partnership with the Music Venue Trust (MVT), to support grassroots venues.
The launch of the fundraising programme this month will build on existing widespread support that has in the past year seen ASM Global provide grassroots venues with help including free health & safety, mental health and marketing training, in-venue marketing at ASM’s facilities, donations of venue and stage furniture, and the launch of the first arena donation campaign for MVT in partnership with Enter Shikari at OVO Arena.
ASM Global said that from this month onward all its UK venues, including OVO Arena Wembley, AO Arena, First Direct Arena, P&J Live, Utilita Arena Newcastle and Connexin Live, will participate by offering fans opportunities to contribute. It said, “Every week tens of thousands of music fans pass through the doors of an ASM venue in the UK and as part of this campaign, they’ll be seeing examples of MVT’s work inside venues, and be able to donate directly on bars and concourses, as well as when buying tickets via venue websites, giving them an easy way to support the cause.
ASM Global Europe president Chris Bray said, “Our industry starts with the grassroots. As an interconnected ecosystem, these venues lay the foundation for artists to perform, fans to discover, and the industry to thrive. At ASM Global, we recognise the absolute importance of grassroots music venues, and we’re great supporters of Mark and his team at Music Venue Trust. Through this partnership, created specifically for MVT, we are able to harness the power of our venues and our fans, to help ensure the survival of the grassroots – the place where headliners of the future are made.”
MVT CEO Mark Davyd added, “ASM were the first arena operators to respond to our call for support from the live music industry to deal with the crisis engulfing grassroots music venues after the pandemic. Their venues may be big but they’re run by teams of true music fans, people who not only understand the grassroots and love the artists but many that actually started their careers in their local venue. Support from ASM Global is an essential part of recognising that we are all part of one great big ecosystem, and that a strong and thriving grassroots sector is vital for the future of the whole live music industry.”
Separately, Music Venue Trust (MVT) has joined forces with Save Our Scene to launch the Liveline Fund; created to support the grassroots music sector via donations from major event ticket levies and contributions from artists, industry and partners.
UK grassroots music venues, artists and independent promoters will be able to apply for funding through an open application process, managed by MVT.
Last month, Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant called on the live music industry to introduce a voluntary levy on all stadium and arena tickets to help support grassroots venues, festivals, artists and promoters. He said, “The government will consider the implementation and effectiveness of a voluntary levy before determining whether further action is needed.”