Liverpool’s music sector secures nearly £7 million in funding from the government, boosting innovation and sustainability.
- £6.75 million to be allocated to enhance the live music scene through training, technology, and environmental efforts.
- Key institutions will form a MusicFutures cluster, driving growth in music tourism, recording, and education.
- Liverpool, alongside the West Midlands, selected for the Creative Industries Clusters initiative.
- The initiative aims to propel the city into a music research and development powerhouse.
The government has committed nearly £7 million to Liverpool’s music sector, positioning the city as a leader in music innovation. This substantial funding, announced by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), is intended to enhance the region’s live music scene, providing crucial support in training, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives.
A significant portion of the £6.75 million funding will be used to empower musicians, educators, and small businesses to leverage new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR). Additionally, efforts will be made to ensure live music events become more environmentally sustainable.
Under this initiative, major establishments including Liverpool’s two universities, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the M&S Bank Arena are set to become key players in the MusicFutures cluster. Announced by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, MusicFutures aims to unify resources to bolster the region’s music tourism, recording, and education sectors.
Liverpool and the West Midlands have been carefully selected for identical funding amounts under the Creative Industries Clusters programme. This programme, delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, focuses on fostering specialised creative subsectors concentrated in various UK regions.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasised Liverpool’s historic place in the music world, highlighting that the current funding is expected to transform it into a hotspot for creativity and innovation. This will further involve efforts to make music venues more eco-friendly while promoting equality in opportunities across the nation’s creative sectors.
The MusicFutures initiative, led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, seeks to establish the city as a centre for music research and development over the next five years. By prioritising research, development, and innovation through emerging technologies, it is anticipated that Liverpool’s music sector will be revitalised, ensuring its status as a leading global music city is preserved.
This initiative extends beyond mere funding; it provides invaluable opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, bespoke training for music makers, and industry mentorship. By creating clear pathways for musicians and professionals within the music sector, the broader creative economy stands to benefit significantly.
Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram expressed pride in the city’s musical legacy, linking the new funding to the continuing evolution of its vibrant music scene. “From the Beatles to today’s thriving live music, Liverpool is set to remain at the cutting edge of music innovation,” noted Rotheram. “MusicFutures will elevate our cultural standing globally, unlock opportunities for talent and businesses, and drive growth across the region.”
The MusicFutures initiative is poised to uplift Liverpool’s music sector, ensuring the city’s heritage and innovative future remain intertwined.
