LIVE inputs into government’s planned industrial strategy
The Government’s planned industrial strategy, due for launch next Spring, will set out the decade long plans to drive growth across the UK. Critically for LIVE, the creative industries are called out as one of eight key generators of growth. As such, this presents an opportunity to have many of our key asks of Government embedded into their work plan for years to come. As a first step in this process, LIVE responded to Invest 2035 setting out the value of our sector, growth potential, international influence and ability to reach towns and cities across the UK.
In addition, LIVE called for a reduction in VAT on tickets, development of new tax reliefs (akin to those enjoyed by film/TV) and other measures to reduce the cost of touring, running venues and putting on festivals. We also highlighted the urgent need to improve touring arrangements for incoming and outgoing tours, grow the talent pipeline (on and off stage), accelerate our sustainability work and protect venues amid plans for 1.5m new homes.
Liverpool secures huge win for music
Exciting news that the Government has created the first creative cluster dedicated to music. An award of £6.75m to a multi-agency team led by Liverpool University will allow for the development of multiple workstreams to identify, evaluate and provide solutions for the many challenges that face musicians, venues, festivals, promoters, supply chain today. LIVE has been closely involved in this bid and helped shape the planned work programme. As a result, much of Music Futures will align with our own goals for our sector across education, skills, sustainability, inclusion and much more.
Commenting for LIVE Jon Collins said, “LIVE was delighted to join the Music Futures partnership, aligning our work addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the UK live music industry with the innovative programme of work planned out for Liverpool. Music Futures outputs, underpinned by commitments to sustainability and inclusion, will be transformational for venues, artists, festivals and the wider live music ecosystem across Liverpool. In turn, the solutions identified and unlocked in the city will be applied to our work across the UK, sparking growth, bringing joy and opening up rich and rewarding careers”.
Most successful LIVE Awards ever happening next week!
We could not let this newsletter go out without a mention of the excitement building in the LIVE team as we approach next week’s LIVE Awards. This third edition is shaping up to be the most successful ever under the watchful eye of LIVE’s Head of Partnerships, Gaby Cartwright. Known for its innovative approach, this year will see not just our trademark sustainable trophies, but also our commitments to inclusion and sustainability evident in our vegan first menu and inclusive bar offering an innovative range of non-alcoholic drinks. We are proud to make the awards a celebration of all in our industry, for all in our industry. See you there!
Government reaffirms commitment to sorting EU touring
LIVE saw further positive indicators re. EU touring at the recent UK DAG, DCMS questions and our LIVE Touring meeting. In response to a question from Wera Hobhouse MP, the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, noted that they have heard from industry ‘loud and clear’ that the deal struck on touring is causing difficulties for artists and acknowledged this is an issue for both UK and non-UK artists. She said the Department recognised that an improved agreement is needed and noted that Nick Thomas Symonds (Minister for the Cabinet Office) is currently undertaking negotiations to resolve this. This messaging was also delivered by lead officials at the DAG and during the recent LIVE Touring meeting, where we heard that, as the Government gears up for a summit with the EU (expected early next year) we are still front and centre in their thinking.
Government takes action on spiking
At a roundtable in Downing Street last week, the UK Prime Minister promised new legislation to make spiking a specific crime, aiming to encourage more victims to come forward. This new law would apply to England and Wales, with separate legislation needed for Scotland and Northern Ireland. The government is also planning to train staff in pubs, bars, and clubs to spot and prevent incidents of spiking. This work builds on LIVE’s participation in the police’s anti-spiking initiative, Project Lester, our work with the Home Office over the last two summers and the excellent work of AIF through its Safer Spaces initiative.
LIVE Talks: The Ripple Effect with Music Support
Earlier this week, LIVE Talks hosted a deeply moving and insightful session looking into the profound impact of addiction and recovery, not only on individuals but also on their families, friends, and professional lives.
The session featured a distinguished panel, including Nick Hinman, who shared his personal journey with addiction and the road to recovery. Through his stories, he illuminated the challenges, stigma, and hope that accompany this journey. Nick’s openness provided attendees with valuable perspectives on how recovery influences relationships, creativity, and professional life within the music industry.
A recurring theme of the discussion was the importance of support networks and open dialogue in creating a more compassionate, understanding, and inclusive industry. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on the ripple effects their actions and support can have in fostering recovery-friendly environments.
Thank you to everyone who joined this session. The conversations sparked will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing efforts in promoting mental health and wellbeing across the live music sector.
For those who missed it, highlights and takeaways from The Ripple Effect will be available on our LIVE Talks archive.
Stay tuned for more impactful sessions coming up in 2025!
CIISA CEO to give evidence in Parliament
CIISA chief executive, Jen Smith, has been called to give evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee on January 29th. Issues to be explored will include: CIISA’s plans, Board appointments and the current consultation on Standards. The CIISA Standards are a set of expectations that set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the creative industries to enable safe and inclusive working environments. This includes preventing and tackling of all forms of bullying and harassment, including bullying and harassment of a discriminatory nature. In addition, MPs are expected to ask which organisations across live music (and the wider creative industries) have supported CIISA. CIISA can only operate with industry support, and we would urge us all to contribute.
Expedition One sets course for more sustainable venues and events
Expedition One, an uplifting and invigorating day of discussion, debate and plans for action, took place in Liverpool last week to mark the designation of the city as the first-ever UN Accelerator City for Climate Action. The event aimed to drive insight, learning, action, and change across the live music, film, and TV production sectors to tackle carbon emissions. Expert panels covered topics such as audience travel, data and cleaner arenas. There will now be a year of intense activity to take forward carbon reduction measures, the learnings from which can then be shared with the wider world.
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – here from the experts
As the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill makes its way through Parliament, LIVE is delighted to support the efforts of our colleagues at EIF and UKCMA as they look to provide clarity on the Bill as currently drafted, plans for the inspectorate and timetable for rollout. There has been a degree of misunderstanding (and sometimes misinformation) around the bill as speculative ‘consultants’ seek to secure revenue for advising on a system that is not yet finalised and will not go live until mid-2027 at the earliest. LIVE members can join this free online Q&A and discussion between representatives of the EIF and UKCMS online on Thursday December 12th at 1.00pm by clicking this link. It is sure to be an informative session given the quality of participants, including Anne Marie Chebib, Eric Stuart, Russ Phillips and Tom Devine.
UK Music launches new survey - Full Diversity Full Return- on the contribution of Black music.
Black music shapes global culture, and it is essential to understand the economic value this artform brings to the UK music industry to support ongoing investment in the music and the people who deliver it.
The survey has been initiated by the UK Music Diversity Taskforce and taken forward by UK Music.
Take the Survey Here
Member Updates
Featured Artist Coalition (FAC)
Association for Electronic Music (AFEM):
The Electronic Music Sector’s role in climate action
Tue, Dec 10, 2024, 5:00 PM GMT
RSVP: https://www.linkedin.com/events/theelectronicmusicsector-srolei7264973214886375424/theater/
Music has a power unlike any other to unite people around making change. The science is there, but people are not engaging. New music movements aim to inspire action and systemic change. Whether it be working with the sounds of nature, or using natural resources to make music - these music initiatives aim to do just that. Hear from a range of music projects and organisations who are telling the story of our planet and climate change, and those affected by it across the world and why it’s important and why it has to be told now. Time is running out and we call on music to be the answer.