The Government has launched a new long-term strategy to support the UK music industry, which will benefit from a range of new powers and investment. The plan also pledges to create opportunities for thousands of young people to get involved in music.
Titled Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music, the strategy sets out measures to support the entire music ecosystem, including artists, fans, festivals, venues, labels and music businesses. The sector already contributes at least £8 billion to the economy.
As the Government’s newly appointed Music Champion, former CEO of UK Music and Leeds Conservatoire Fellow, Michael Dugher, will support the plan and act as an advocate for the sector, for a one-year term initially.
Speaking at the plan’s launch at the UK Music Summer Party attended by influential industry figures, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said: “Music is our shared language. It brings people together, breaks down barriers and gives voice to every community. At a time when too many people feel disconnected, music has never mattered more.
“As the song says, ‘Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.’ But pop is getting posher, and that must change. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. After a decade of mindless vandalism that stripped culture and creativity from too many classrooms and communities, we are putting music back at the heart of education, investing in creative careers and backing grassroots music across the country.
“We believe music belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few. That’s how we widen opportunity, strengthen our communities and ensure the UK’s incredible fans and extraordinary musical talent continues to inspire the world for generations to come.”
The plan references the £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund (CPGF), a new approach to supporting creative industries by devolving funding to six high-growth potential Mayoral Strategic Authorities, including West Yorkshire. West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s investment in music will encompass sector development, business growth and profile‑raising activity.
It includes supporting Northern artists to tour internationally through the co‑funding of the Northern Music Export Office; strengthening the West Yorkshire Music Network through a refreshed, grassroots‑led offer with equality, diversity and inclusion at its core; convening a new Music Board to shape policy and position West Yorkshire as a home of live music; and supporting music and music‑tech SMEs.
