Manchester Music City (MMC) with the support of Manchester City Council have published a landmark report to strengthen the city's grassroots music venues, a vital part of Manchester's cultural and economic life. The findings from the report have also led to the launch of a new Grassroots Venues Network for the city. 

The research, carried out by the hub, was commissioned to support positive collective action and highlights the biggest challenges facing smaller venues, including the economic pressures of rising costs and reduced income, and a passionate but  overstretched workforce.

Its recommendations are grouped into four key pillars:

• Ecosystem Development
• Marketing and Audience Development
• Innovation, Investment and R&D
• Policy, Structures and Local Authority Practice

The recommendations will feed into the development of a new music strategy for the city led by Manchester Music City, with financial support from Manchester City Council - championing promoters, developing innovation bursaries, commissioning audience research, and establishing the Manchester Grassroots Venues Network.

Launching today (Monday 24th November), the Manchester Grassroots Venues Network, convened by CityCo with the support of the Music Venue Trust (MVT), will be a quarterly series of meetings to strengthen collaboration between venues, the council and other local partners. The Network will enable venues to have a direct voice in shaping policy, receive updates on city initiatives, share best practice, and explore joint marketing and audience development opportunities to raise the profile of Manchester's grassroots music scene locally and internationally.

The council has already taken significant steps to support venues, including creating the £245,000 Grassroots Music Venue Fund, which is being administered by MVT. Promotion of Manchester's grassroots venues has also featured in this year's MCR Live 25 campaign and in international tourism marketing.

The report is part of a wider effort to protect and promote grassroots music venues. Manchester Music City, Manchester City Council and partners are committed to ongoing collaboration with venues to ensure a collaborative approach to strengthening the city's music ecosystem.  

Quotes
Kate Lowes, Director of Brighter Sound (sector lead Manchester Music City), said: "Grassroots venues sit at the heart of Manchester's musical identity, nurturing both emerging talent and the communities around them. This report shines a light on the challenges they face, but more importantly it brings partners together around shared solutions. The launch of the Grassroots Venues Network marks a vital step in creating the support system these spaces need. We're committed to making sure Manchester remains a place where independent venues can thrive and where music continues to shape the life of the city."

Cllr Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, who attended the inaugural meeting of the grassroots venue network, said: "Music is in Manchester's DNA and not just as a celebration of our past but a vital part of our present and our future. No-one wants to live in a city without a thriving music scene. 

"Grassroots music venues are an important part of what makes Manchester great and we want to maintain their impact in our city as it evolves and grows and through the challenges they face. 

"That's why we co-commissioned this report, and why the council and partners have already taken swift and significant steps to support smaller venues - including us setting up the Grassroots Music Venue Fund to provide financial assistance.

"We aren't afraid to tackle issues head on and to challenge ourselves to be better wherever we can. We want Manchester to lead the way showing what cities can achieve by working together closely with our music venues, and the wider music sector in the city. This network shows how serious we are about working together."

Julia Payne, Director of the hub, said: "At the hub, we go to work to make a difference. We're really excited not only that the research we carried out last year is now being published, but also that it's already had an impact, with Manchester City Council launching a new £245k Grassroots Music Venue Fund as a direct response to one of our recommendations. As a team whose members cut their teeth working in grassroots venues, we look forward to working with Manchester Music City and Manchester City Council as they roll out further developments in response to our findings and recommendations."

Jay Taylor from the Music Venue Trust said: "Music Venue Trust is delighted with the publication of the Music In The City Report. Following candid dialogue with Grassroots Music Venue operators the report presents a set of compelling recommendations which mirror Music Venue Trust campaigns and findings within the UK Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee's report on grassroots music. These are pragmatic, real-world proposals that commit to supporting the city region's magnificent music venues, and it's hugely encouraging to see recommendations already being actioned, including the launch of the Manchester Grassroots Venues Network. This is Manchester at its progressive best, cultivating meaningful conversations and clear-cut solutions."

The Executive Summary is here.

The full report is available on request.