GRASSROOTS VENUES SOLICIT AID

More than 550 grassroots music venues are at risk of permanent closure in the U.K. over the next three months as a result of coronavirus restrictions, according to the Music Venue Trust. The org is calling for donations to a £1m fund to help turn the tide.

If the venues closed, there is a potential permanent loss of more than 5,000 jobs, 100,000+ concerts, more than 300,000 performances by musicians, and over 1m temporary employment opportunities for gig economy workers per year.

To avoid this outcome, the Music Venue Trust has launched a Grassroots Music Venue Crisis Fund. The fund will give MVT what it needs to place its existing emergency response service, which prevented 91 closures in 12 months last year, on a crisis footing.

MVT is asking for donations from the music industry, cultural sector and high net worth individuals to fully fund the service. With the funding, MVT will be able to defend each individual venue that comes under threat of permanent closure, and provide emergency financial support when required.

Donations to the Grassroots Music Venue Crisis Fund can be arranged by contacting Beverley Whitrick at [email protected].