Arts funding: economic benefits by constituency

How many people are employed in the arts where you are? How much does that generate for your regional economy? And how does your constituency compare to others?

Use our interactive map to find out

1. Select your constituency from the list
2. Scroll down to read all information

Politics News

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Young man at a sound desk in a recording studio, sat looking at the screen.

Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now

As new Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes office, here are three things he can do to support music and musicians right now.

Published: 24 July 2026

View of a stage lit up in white light, from the perspective of a crowd looking up.

MU Welcomes Business Rates Cuts But Urges Government Not to Forget Artists

Today the government has announced a 20% cut to business rates bills for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April next year.

Published: 23 July 2026

A birds eye view of a round table surrounded by chairs on a wooden floor.

UK Music Invites Northern Ireland Composers, Songwriters and Performers to Manifesto Roundtable

Composers, songwriters and performers in Northern Ireland are invited to join a UK Music online roundtable to help inform their manifesto asks ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.

Published: 17 July 2026

MU Nominates Andy Burnham for Labour Leader

The Musicians' Union has officially nominated Andy Burnham to be the next leader of the Labour Party.

Published: 16 July 2026

About the Musicians’ Union

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is the trade union for over 36,000 musicians across the UK. We’re behind every musician, whatever genre they play, whatever their background and wherever they work.

As well as negotiating on behalf of our members with all the major employers in the industry, we offer a range of support services for musicians to help them build sustainable, successful careers.

Our democratic mandate makes us a strong voice for musicians at all levels of government, and our collective strength empowers members to campaign for a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Resources for decision-makers

AI briefing

5 things Government can do to support musicians in the face of AI generated music – and why.

Music streaming

Back music streaming royalties for non-featured artists

Protect our BBC

Protect the biggest employer and engager of musicians in the UK

Support Westminster buskers

Catch up with members’ campaign to save busking in Westminster

Anti-far right toolkit

Challenge the growing influence of far right ideologies using our Anti-Far Right Toolkit

Local Council resources

Explore our resources to help local councillors advocate for music and musicians in local government

Are you an MU member and local councillor?

Fill in our form to help us better support you

Rights at Work News

Two female session musicians in the studio, one playing bass and the other singing into a microphone. The sound technician is sitting at the mixing desk, turned towards them.

Over £3 Million Returned to Musicians Through MU Support in 2025

From recovering unpaid fees to distributing royalties, MU services helped secure £3.2 million for musicians in 2025. Your membership pays off.

Published: 29 May 2026

Marcelo and another busker in yellow M U campaign t-shirts holding pink cut out guitars at a demo last August.

Protecting Amplification in Busking

One year on from the Leicester Square busking ban, MU member Marcelo Cervone reflects on how amplification shapes public space, challenges misconceptions on busking volume and makes the case for protecting performers’ pitches.

Published: 08 May 2026

Buskers and supporters, some wearing M U t-shirts, gathered around a singer, holding placards saying “Street Music is Not a Crime’. ‘Keep Music Live’, and ‘Westminster, Stop Killing Culture”.

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Buskers are continuing their high-profile campaign, calling on Westminster Council to find new viable and accessible busking pitches in the borough to replace what was lost.

Published: 15 April 2026

Close up of women singing into a microphone on stage, with someone playing acoustic guitar to her right.

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

All parts of the UK’s live sector must recognise and uphold the value of songs and songwriters, says a new statement from the Council of Music Makers.