Mayor bids to strengthen Greater Manchester’s live music scene
The review of the city-region will reveal the economic value of music to Greater Manchester for the first time
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has revealed plans to strengthen the city-region’s music scene.
Working alongside UK Music and a panel of experts, the mayor has set up a major review to see how the region’s scene can be nurtured and developed.
Voices from across the music industry will be asked share their views and experiences of Greater Manchester’s music culture over the next six months. An advisory panel will be set up in the coming weeks featuring representatives from across Greater Manchester’s diverse music scene.
Burnham said: “Greater Manchester has led the way when it comes to British music, producing some of the greatest bands this country has ever known from Oasis to The Stone Roses, as well as being home to internationally-renowned orchestras.
“The music greats of our past inspire young musicians of today. We must build on this, beyond the already well-defined indie legacy, to truly embed culture and the arts in the heart of our communities and give future generations the opportunities to fulfil their creative potential.”
The news follows the mayor’s appointment of Manchester’s first night time advisor Sacha Lord-Marchionne last week.
The review will look into Greater Manchester’s musical strengths, as well as where the music scene can be improved, ensuring that artists are supported to develop sustainable careers where everyone can access music in a “safe and inclusive” way.
Building on Greater Manchester’s indie legacy, the review will support bands of all cultures and backgrounds to include music of black origin, brass bands and orchestras.
UK Music will lead the review, supported by three chairs: Inspiral Carpets’ Martyn Walsh, former Sony UK CEO Ged Doherty and Karen Boardman, co-director of Crisis Management LLP.
Burnham added: “This review will enable us to support artists, businesses and audiences of all genres so that they are able to get more out of creating the music they love.”
The review will provide a comprehensive assessment of what musical resources are currently available for musicians, music businesses and audiences across all genres of music, from venues and practice spaces to gigs and festivals in Greater Manchester.
UK Music’s 2017 Measuring Music report revealed that the music industry generated £4.4 billion to the UK economy. The review of the city-region will reveal the economic value of music to Greater Manchester for the first time.
UK Music CEO Michael Dugher said: “This review is a fantastic opportunity to help further develop Greater Manchester’s vibrant music scene and help grow the city’s economy. Andy Burnham gets how important this is and is passionate about supporting the city-region’s amazing talent and great venues. Like UK Music, he wants to look at ways to nurture all the different elements that make up the music industry’s eco-system and to see how we can help it thrive in the future.
“The review will help identify ideas to widen opportunities and develop the talent pipeline across the city region, building on its formidable music heritage and to lure even more visitors to live music events in and around Manchester.
Want more stories like this sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our free daily newsletter here.
Source: mi-pro.co.uk