Christopher BarrettMusic 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.
The Liveline Fund will be used to manage proceeds from Coldplay’s (pictured) six shows at London’s Wembley Stadium and two at Hull’s Craven Park Stadium in August next year, with the band having pledged 10% of its proceeds to MVT.
MVT said donations made from those events by the concerts’ promoters SJM Concerts, Metropolis Music and Live Nation, the band’s booking agent WME, the venues and the official ticket agents Ticketmaster, See Tickets and AXS will also support the new fund. Other acts to have pledged funds to the initiative include Sam Fender and Katy Perry.
UK grassroots music venues, artists and independent promoters will be able to apply for funding through an open application process, managed by MVT.
MVT also announced that UK footwear and apparel brand Kickers has become the first brand to contribute to the Liveline Fund. The contribution follows the launch of the brand’s ‘Stomping Grounds’ campaign in partnership with Save Our Scene (SOS).
SOS founder George Fleming said, “The goal of Liveline is to affirm the independent live music ecosystem and ensure the future viability of our sector. A thriving music industry depends on a steady pipeline of talent, which is made possible through supporting grassroots music. Collaborative action is essential to ensure this fund achieves its full potential and we look forward to working alongside MVT and other stakeholders in amplifying the fund, its awardees and helping ensure proceeds are distributed in a holistic and transparent way, which benefits the entire grassroots ecosystem, including fans.”
Earlier this 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.”