Nearly #OwnOurVenues O Clock
#OwnOurVenues
No. Not “whatever”. Please Do something. Say something. Share something. Invest something. Donate something. Care something. Pass it on…
“Find out more and support the cause… Also, that's me on the main picture!” (Shao Dow)
In a world of problems, some actual solutions being put forward! “Join them to make the most radical collective and collaborative positive change to the Grassroots Music Venue sector since Music Venue Trust was formed in 2014.” (Le Pub, Newport)
One last push to reach Music Venue Trust’s £2.5million target as the 30th March deadline looms for the #OwnOurVenues campaign! Last week it hit 75% - an amazing feat! “A radical, rewarding & exciting opportunity for the live music community to own, protect & improve UK Grassroots Music Venues.” (Saving London Pubs)
Help protect Grassroots Music Venues from closure. One of the nation’s best chances of a brighter future. This is March 2023’s biggest Arts & Culture stories. A people power campaign of the year already. Read all the details, how to get involved and the back story at the links:
Invest
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/own-our-venues
Donate
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/own-our-venues-donations
…and if you are struggling with the pennies and pounds but can unite with the cause to spread the word, the hashtag, the links, anything to help, then it all counts!
“Last week to be part of the great campaign”. (Feral Five)
Surely there are enough people in the world who have enjoyed a trip to an independent grassroots music venue to come on side with Music Venue Trust? Want a happy place to go to, again?
MVT is the closest that our “pipeline” circuit of the music world community - artists, industry, media and allies alike - come to having actual government to look after us and our happy places?
Surely there are enough huge stars who have benefited from having had somewhere to hone their professional music and peformance talents, to be part of this week, also? Give something back?
March 2023, new MVT Patrons, repping at the UK’s #ILMC35 (International Live Music Conference) at USA’s SXSW Festival and, frankly, appreciation for what the circuit contributes to the nation needs to be increasingly realised. Absolute respect to artists - including Rhoda Dhakar, Steve Lamacq, Wolf Alice, IDLES, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Divine Comedy, Ed Sheeran… already gifting their energy to this. “It'd be a huge step forwards for a new model of venue ownership.” (Public Service Broadcasting)
Give As You Live
In other news, for a moment. Did you know? You can also raise cashback donations for grassroots music venues when shopping on line? When the Own Our Venues campa.gin finishes, don’t stop believing! You can help Music Venue Trust generate additional funds to help support their vital work by shopping online, at no extra cost. @giveasyoulive is a free and easy way to raise money for MVT when you shop online at over six thousand stores.
An idea of how big the no-limits to what MVT can achieve if we all come together.
2023 Necessity: Public Ownership
“We are anticipating 2023 to be the worst year for venue closures as soon as energy bills are increased”. Music Venue Trust.
“Yet, once again grassroots music culture is being hung out to dry by the government”. Even The Stars
“Incredibly disappointing that the latest Government budget does not include additional support for grassroots music venues and night time cultural spaces…” Amy Lamé
So let’s grow positivity.
During Independent Venue Week, February, South East London/North West England associated musician, Jean Genie’s Massive Hugs, released a single ‘Ray Of Hope (Ferret Forever)’ to help #SaveTheFerret as part of Music Venue Trust’s #OwnOurVenues campaign.
TheZineUK article commented “The catchy melody sparkles with urgent heartfelt lyrics inspired by a situation now familiar to many around the country: the fight to save a beloved local venue.” - and we stand by that. Heck, this documentary was BORN at a creative, crossbreeding community grassroots space.
Jean Genie’s Massive Hugs photographed at The Ferret in Preston by Robin Hill
As March 2023 ends amidst huge support for Massive Hugs from the media, including BBC Introducing interviews and John Kennedy of Radio X remarking “WHAT a song!”, the impact of MVT’s influence and inspiration is also well and truly felt. The Ferret in Preston, for now, is saved!!!
“If more councils stepped up to support their local music venues, in the way Preston Council have for The Ferret in Preston, Grassroots Music Venues would be in a considerably more stable situation. It's not too late!” - NME
Music Venue Trust are the gift that keeps on giving (hope) - remember the lockdown #SaveOurVenues lifeline and the intimate shows that followed when we were allowed out again?
Too right that the MVT are presenting the Grassroots Venue: Spirit Of The Scene award at May’s Music Week Awards - and that recognition keeps consistently coming their way, also. Seriously, just imagine if Music Venue Trust didn’t exist. Think about it.