Could Your Small Venue Benefit from Fender's £25,000 Mercury Grant?

Sam Fender, the acclaimed British musician, has made headlines by donating his entire £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venues Trust (MVT), a charity dedicated to preserving the UK’s grassroots music venues. This significant contribution underscores Fender's commitment to supporting the very venues that nurtured his early career, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by these vital cultural spaces in the music industry.

Last updated: 16 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

On 16 October 2023, Sam Fender was awarded the Mercury Prize for his third album, *People Watching*, which was named the best record of the past year. In a show of gratitude and recognition of the critical role of grassroots venues in his musical journey, Fender announced he would donate the entire prize money to the Music Venues Trust. This act not only showcases his generosity but also brings attention to the pressing issues faced by many small music venues across the UK.

Key takeaways

Sam Fender donated his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venues Trust.
More than 150 grassroots music venues have closed in the UK in 2023, a loss of approximately 16% of the sector.
Major artists like Pulp, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran have supported grassroots venues through ticket price levies.

Timeline: how we got here

The issue of struggling grassroots music venues has been exacerbated over recent years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a brief timeline of significant events leading up to Sam Fender's donation:

2020: The pandemic severely impacts live music, leading to venue closures and financial strain.
2021: Initiatives launched to support struggling venues, including fundraising efforts by major artists.
2022: Continued pressure on grassroots venues as operational costs rise; the MVT begins to see a spike in closures.
2023: Over 150 venues close permanently, prompting increased awareness and support from artists like Fender.
16 October 2023: Sam Fender wins the Mercury Prize and announces his £25,000 donation to the MVT.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Sam Fender's donation is a significant new development in the ongoing efforts to support grassroots music venues. His recognition of their importance and willingness to contribute financially highlights the need for broader support from the music community.

What was already established

The struggle of grassroots venues has been well-documented, with many artists previously donating their prize winnings or profits to support them. The MVT has been actively working to save venues through community ownership initiatives and fundraising campaigns.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The closure of grassroots venues directly affects music lovers and local communities. With over 150 venues shutting down in 2023 alone, access to live music is becoming increasingly limited, which can diminish the cultural fabric of local areas. This loss particularly impacts upcoming artists who rely on these venues to build their careers.

Businesses and jobs

Grassroots venues play a crucial role in the local economy. Their closure not only affects the jobs of those working in the music industry but also other local businesses that thrive on foot traffic from events. This includes bars, restaurants, and shops in the vicinity of these venues.

Policy and regulation

The UK government and local councils will need to consider policies that support the arts and safeguard these venues. The ongoing efforts by the MVT to secure community ownership could serve as a model for how to preserve cultural assets in the face of financial difficulties.

Numbers that matter

£25,000: The amount donated by Sam Fender to the Music Venues Trust.
150+: The number of grassroots venues that have permanently closed in 2023, representing about 16% of the sector.
£100,000: The amount raised by Fender on his 2024 arena tour to support grassroots venues across the UK.

Definitions and jargon buster

Grassroots venues: Small music venues that host live performances, often serving as stepping stones for emerging artists.
Music Venues Trust (MVT): A charity focused on supporting and preserving grassroots music venues across the UK.
Mercury Prize: An annual music prize awarded for the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish act.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect to see increased fundraising efforts and campaigns by various artists and organisations to support struggling venues. The MVT will likely continue to publicise its initiatives and garner more support.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As awareness grows, there may be a push for policy changes to provide more substantial support to grassroots venues, including potential government funding or tax relief initiatives.

Signals to watch

Community ownership successes and challenges.
Reports on new venue closures or openings across the UK.
Increased participation from artists in fundraising efforts for grassroots venues.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local music by attending shows at grassroots venues.
Consider donating to or volunteering with organisations like the Music Venues Trust.
Encourage local councils to support the arts and music scene.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of small venues in the music ecosystem.
Don’t hesitate to raise awareness about venue closures in your community.
Don’t wait for major artists alone to support grassroots venues; every contribution counts.

Checklist

Check local listings for upcoming shows at grassroots venues.
Research and support initiatives aimed at preserving local music spaces.
Participate in community meetings regarding arts and music funding.
Stay informed about the state of grassroots venues and their challenges.
Engage with local artists and musicians to understand their needs.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Sam Fender’s donation is a positive step for grassroots music venues, the ongoing economic pressures, including rising costs and changes in consumer behaviour, present significant risks. The future of many venues remains uncertain, particularly if broader support does not materialise. Additionally, the efficacy of community ownership models is yet to be fully evaluated, with potential challenges in sustaining operations.

Bottom line

Sam Fender's donation to the Music Venues Trust shines a light on the importance of grassroots venues in the UK music scene. As many of these venues face closure, the music community's support becomes increasingly crucial. Moving forward, engaging with local venues and supporting initiatives aimed at their preservation will be vital for the future of live music in the UK.

FAQs

Why did Sam Fender donate his Mercury Prize winnings?

Sam Fender donated his £25,000 winnings to the Music Venues Trust to support grassroots venues that played a significant role in his early career.

What is the Music Venues Trust?

The Music Venues Trust is a charity focused on supporting and preserving grassroots music venues across the UK, helping them to survive and thrive.

How many grassroots venues have closed in the UK recently?

In 2023, over 150 grassroots music venues have permanently closed, representing approximately 16% of the entire sector, raising concerns about the future of live music.