“UKAT allows us to support musicians across the board, from the featured artists to the session players, and to ensure that fair pay underpins all parts of the tour". Photo: Shutterstock.
The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) is supporting 49 artists as part of its phase two funding, further to the 26 artists who received support earlier in the year.
UKAT, set up by the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) with the MU and Music Managers Forum (MMU) as partners, offers top-up tour funding to remove financial barriers, losses and uncertainty; this allows artists to incorporate safety, fair pay and uncompromised band line-ups across their tours.
Supported by the LIVE Trust, which collects contributions from the voluntary ticket levy across arena and stadium shows, UKAT deals directly with the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis which is the biggest threat for artists across the grassroots scene, impacting the diversity of the sector, sustainability of careers and the talent pipeline.
Targeted support can help tackle wider industry issues
After receiving £425,000 from the LIVE Trust and delivering two rounds of funding, UKAT is demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of targeted support by keeping tours on the road without placing financial strain on artists.
In addition to the main fund, allowing artists to apply for grants of up to £8,000, UKAT also offers an Access Fund, which can be used to seek further financial support for costs relating to disabilities or caring responsibilities. UKAT is proof therefore that the value of the grassroots ticket levy goes far beyond simple financial fixes, as it enables us to start to deal with some of the wider issues and barriers across the live sector and broader music industry.
The full list of the 49 artists who are receiving UKAT support in Phase 2 can be found here.
The MU is proud to be part of such an important piece of work
Kelly Wood, MU National Organiser for Live, Theatre and Music Writers said:
“Whilst touring remains integral to most artists’ careers, the financial challenges are now posing a real threat to live activity. We’re proud to be part of such an important piece of work that is not only removing the immediate financial burdens of many current tours, but is also helping to deal with some of the more systemic issues with the live sector, which can prevent artists with disabilities, caring responsibilities or those from lower income backgrounds from undertaking tours.
“UKAT allows us to support musicians across the board, from the featured artists to the session players, and to ensure that fair pay underpins all parts of the tour. We’re grateful to the LIVE Trust for its support, and of course to all the artists who have incorporated the £1 levy across their arena and stadium shows.”
Lady Nade, MU member and UKAT Phase 2 awardee added:
“I’m honestly so happy to have received funding support for my new album, Identity, tour. As an independent artist, touring with a full live band is a huge financial undertaking, so this support makes it possible.
“I love being an independent artist because it gives me the freedom to create the music I want, on my own terms, without compromise. But that independence comes with real financial challenges. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love of my fans, access to funding, and the support of organisations like the MU, FAC and MMF who fight for fair pay. Together, they show what’s possible when independent artists are given the support and freedom to thrive.”