Belfast City Council will be the first local authority in the U.K. to support its local grassroots music venues via Music Venue Trust’s Pipeline Investment Fund.

As part of their recently launched Music Matters program, the City Council has committed £20k to the PIF which will be ring-fenced for Belfast venues, who in turn will be able to apply for grants up to £5k to be used for sound, lights, sound, access, ventilation and minor building alterations, or for staff training, diversifying workforces, succession planning, skills development, and strengthening local community ties. Applications will be open from 7/3 July to 8/25.

“Our council is committed to supporting and nurturing our local music scene, and capitalizing upon the economic, social and regenerative value music can bring to our city,” said Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair, chair of the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee. “Igniting the live experience and supporting venues to deliver the best experiences they can is a key pillar of our Music Matters strategy. The Pipeline Investment Fund will support small venues to make improvements to enhance what it’s like to attend a gig or perform your music in front of a live audience.

“I’d encourage all eligible venues to take a look at the funding available and see how it can best support them, whether through physical improvements or behind the scenes in the shape of staff training or improving skills.”