City-wide music levy could help nurture artists

Bristol is on the verge of becoming the first city in the UK to introduce a ticket levy aimed at supporting its local music scene. This initiative comes at a time when the music industry is facing significant challenges, with 125 independent venues having closed their doors across the country in 2023 alone. Carly Heath, who serves as Bristol's night-time economy advisor, is optimistic about the potential impact of this levy. She explained that a 1% fee added to tickets sold at participating venues and events could generate up to £1 million annually. Carly believes that this funding could be transformative for the music industry in Bristol, providing essential support for music venues, events, and the creation of new music. She also pointed out that the recent budget changes, which reduced rates relief for venues from 75% to 40%, would increase costs for these establishments. However, she noted that music fans are generally supportive of the local scene, as evidenced by a survey conducted by Bristol Nights, which revealed that 93% of local residents are in favor of the ticket levy. nnDuring a recent meeting, the council presented its proposals to representatives from both the local and national music industry. Tom Kiehl, the CEO of UK Music, expressed that this model could serve as an inspiration for other cities facing similar challenges. He highlighted ongoing discussions within the industry about whether larger venues, such as arenas and stadiums, could agree to a levy that would benefit grassroots music. Tom emphasized the profound impact that culture has on local communities, suggesting that initiatives like the Bristol Music Fund could play a crucial role in nurturing local talent. Other cities, including Glasgow, are also considering the introduction of a ticket levy, while in Halifax, ticket sales from a major venue help subsidize smaller venues. nnThe Bristol Music Fund is set to be managed by a community benefit society, which will distribute funds in the form of grants to those in need. Heidi Wort, the director and bookings manager of the Bristol music venue Exchange, indicated that they are likely to participate in the scheme. She acknowledged the financial pressures many are facing but urged the public to consider the transparency of the fund and its potential benefits. Sarah Clayton, a member of the local band Life in Mono, praised the idea of creating a local fund, as national grants often pit artists against each other on a larger scale. Her bandmate, Adam Darroch-Thompson, echoed her sentiments, noting that while the ticket levy could support small musicians and venues, it should not fall solely on the consumers who are already contributing significantly to the music ecosystem. Adam expressed that making a living as an artist is currently very challenging, and he hopes that the ticket levy can provide some relief for struggling musicians.