Establishment of this new funding would create a vital financial lifeline for Bristol's music sector. Image credit: ShotAway.
Bristol City Council is in talks with the local music industry on how to best support talent and innovation, to invest in the future of Bristol music.
With funding from Arts Council England, it is carrying out an in-depth feasibility study to investigate the potential of creating a self-sustaining investment pipeline for local music talent.
The plan addresses the issues facing Bristol’s vibrant, yet precarious independent music sector by creating a sustainable investment fund derived from ticket purchases.
Creating a sustainable investment pipeline for local music talent
Expert consultants PRD are working alongside the Night-Time Economy Advisor Carly Heath and an industry-led working group, discussions are underway as to how the local music community can work together to bolster Bristol's independent music industry.
One proposal is to introduce a 1 to 3 percent donation on all music events across the city, with the resulting proceeds being added to a collective pot.
This fund would be redistributed via grants to the three agreed pillars across Bristol’s independent music industry: venues, events and musicmaking.
Bristol's music industry is one of many creative sectors at risk
Establishment of this funding would create a vital financial lifeline for music across the city and help create a sustainable, self-supporting industry.
“Bristol remains a top destination for arts and culture and punches well above its weight as one of the South West’s key creative hubs", says Philip Walker, Head of Culture at Bristol City Council.
"However, we cannot remain ignorant to the fact that many creative sectors continue to struggle, with Bristol’s music industry particularly at risk."
Have your say on the future of Bristol's music sector
As conversations continue with Bristol’s music industry, opinions are now being collected from the city’s music lovers via a new survey.
Run by Bristol Nights, the survey hopes to gain a better understanding of the community’s feelings on the current health of the city’s music scene while gauging support for the creation of a Bristol music investment fund.
If you want to have your say on the future of Bristol’s music sector, please visit the Bristol Nights Website.