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, has proposed a 1% fee on tickets sold at participating venues and events. She believes that this small addition could generate up to £1 million annually, which would be a game-changer for the music industry in the city. Carly emphasized that the funds raised would be directed towards supporting 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 impose additional financial burdens on these establishments. However, she remains optimistic, noting that a survey conducted by Bristol Nights revealed that 93% of local residents are in favor of the ticket levy, indicating strong community support for the local music scene. nnOn Wednesday evening, 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 mentioned that there is an ongoing discussion within the industry about whether larger venues, such as arenas and stadiums, can agree to a levy that would benefit grassroots music. Tom highlighted the profound impact that culture has on local communities, suggesting that initiatives like the Bristol Music Fund could foster a more sustainable music ecosystem. Other cities, including Glasgow and Halifax, are also exploring the idea of implementing a ticket levy to support their music scenes. In Halifax, ticket sales from a large outdoor venue help subsidize smaller venues, showcasing a collaborative approach to sustaining local music. 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, expressed her intention to participate in the scheme. She acknowledged the financial pressures that many are facing but urged the public to consider the transparency of the fund and its potential impact on the local music scene. Sarah Clayton, a member of the 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, supported the ticket levy but raised concerns about the financial burden on music fans who already contribute significantly to the industry through ticket purchases and merchandise. He emphasized that while the ticket levy is a positive step towards supporting small musicians and venues, it should not solely rely on the consumers who are already invested in the music scene.