skip to main content

Have Your Say in Shaping the Future of Bristol’s Music Scene

Bristol City Council wants to know how you feel about Bristol's local music. Fill out the survey and support the creation of a self-sustaining music fund.

Published: 07 June 2024 | 11:51 AM Updated: 07 June 2024 | 1:36 PM
A crowd of young people at a festival.
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

Take part in the survey

The deadline to complete the survey is 26 June 2024. 

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Yellow headphones on yellow background. Listening concept.

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Member Heidi Fardell has been a one-to-one instrumental tutor for over 20 years. Drawing on her own experiences, she shares why music lessons can often invite conversations on health and wellbeing, and how to listen and recognise when students may need signposting to additional support.

Published: 04 July 2024

Read more about The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching
Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Read more about MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals