Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has unveiled plans to strengthen the city and region’s music scene.
Working alongside UK Music and a panel of experts, Burnham has set up a major review to establish how the local music culture can be nurtured, encouraged and refreshed.
Over the next six months, music industry figures will be consulted on the plans, which were unveiled today at Low Four Studios.
The review will look into Greater Manchester’s musical strengths, as well as areas where the music scene can be improved, in order to help artists develop sustainable careers.
UK Music will lead on the review, supported by three chairs: Inspiral Carpets’ Martyn Walsh, former Sony Music UK CEO and current BRITs chairman Ged Doherty and Karen Boardman, co-director Crisis Management LLP.
Burnham said: “Greater Manchester has led the way when it comes to British music, producing some of the greatest bands this country has ever known from Oasis to The Stone Roses, as well as being home to internationally-renowned orchestras.
“The music greats of our past inspire young musicians of today. We must build on this, beyond the already well-defined indie legacy, to truly embed culture and the arts in the heart of our communities and give future generations the opportunities to fulfil their creative potential.
“This review will enable us to support artists, businesses and audiences of all genres so that they are able to get more out of creating the music they love.”
Greater Manchester has led the way when it comes to British music, producing some of the greatest bands this country has ever known from Oasis to The Stone Roses
Andy Burnham
UK Music’s 2017 Measuring Music report revealed that the industry generated £4.4 billion to the UK economy. The review of the city-region will reveal the value of music to Greater Manchester for the first time.
UK Music CEO, Michael Dugher, said: “This review is a fantastic opportunity to help further develop Greater Manchester’s vibrant music scene and help grow the city’s economy. Andy Burnham gets how important this is and is passionate about supporting the city-region’s amazing talent and great venues. Like UK Music, he wants to look at ways to nurture all the different elements that make up the music industry’s eco-system and to see how we can help it thrive in the future.
“The review will help identify ideas to widen opportunities and develop the talent pipeline across the city region, building on its formidable music heritage and to lure even more visitors to live music events in and around Manchester.
“I look forward to working closely with Andy and those leading the review to ensure Greater Manchester’s music scene goes from strength to strength.”
An advisory panel will be set up in the coming weeks with representatives from across Greater Manchester’s music scene.
The review will provide an assessment of what musical resources are currently available for musicians, businesses and audiences across all genres of music, covering venues and practice spaces to gigs and festivals.
Early next year, the review will make recommendations on how Greater Manchester’s status as a music city-region can be enhanced with the cultural and economic benefits from the sector.
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