The short version
- Mayor Bev Craig pledged £2 million to improve access to rehearsal and production facilities for local musicians in Greater Manchester.
- The initiative aims to counteract the industry's growing middle-class bias and London-centric focus by supporting diverse talent, including black and minority ethnic artists.
- The funding complements a separate £4 million Culture Fund investment and includes commitments to monitor the impact of artificial intelligence on music sector employment.
Manchester Mayor Bev Craig has announced a new £2 million investment designed to broaden the city’s musical landscape beyond its historic association with indie rock. Speaking at a creative industries conference in Salford, Craig emphasized that Greater Manchester’s cultural identity extends well past the legacy of bands like Oasis. The funding is specifically targeted at improving access to rehearsal and production spaces for local artists, regardless of their genre. This move represents a strategic effort to nurture a more diverse range of talent within the region.
The mayor described a deliberate intentionality behind these efforts to grow the local music industry while simultaneously attracting international events. Earlier this year, the Co-op Live arena hosted both the Brit Awards and the Mobos, which is recognized as Europe’s largest celebration of Black music and culture. Craig noted that hosting the 30th anniversary of the Mobos was a conscious decision to honor the event's founder, Kanya King, during what may be her final appearance at such a gathering.
Craig highlighted concerns about the changing demographics of the music industry, noting it is becoming increasingly middle-class and centered in London. She argued that rising costs are making it harder for new artists to break through without support. The goal of the new funding is to provide a hand up to the next generation of talent, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed whether they form guitar bands or pursue other musical paths. This approach seeks to maintain opportunities for musicians within their own communities.
The announcement coincided with Beyond the Music’s creative industries AI summit, where Craig outlined broader commitments to support artificial intelligence literacy among music professionals. The plan includes monitoring how new technologies affect employment, income levels, and diversity within Greater Manchester’s music sector. By addressing these technological shifts, local leaders aim to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of equitable access for emerging artists.
Cultural performances accompanying the summit featured up-and-coming black and minority ethnic artists, including Bawo, JayaHadADream, and Alt Blk Era. These acts exemplify the diversity Craig seeks to promote through her funding initiatives. The presence of these performers underscores the city’s commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of musical talent rather than focusing solely on established rock traditions.
The £2 million pledge adds to a separate £4 million Culture Fund investment announced earlier in October. That larger fund is designated for music projects ranging from grassroots venues to world-renowned institutions. Together, these financial commitments represent a significant push to stabilize and expand the infrastructure supporting Manchester’s creative economy. The combined efforts aim to provide practical support that ensures sustainable jobs for musicians across various genres.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham convened the final day of the conference, bringing national attention to the local initiatives. Culture Minister Ian Murray addressed the attendees, acknowledging the prime minister’s personal affinity for Manchester guitar bands while emphasizing that technology alone will not shape the future of creativity. Murray stressed that choices made today regarding talent support and innovation rewards will determine the industry's trajectory.
Despite her focus on diversifying the music scene, Craig acknowledged her own appreciation for traditional rock acts. She confirmed plans to attend Oasis’s upcoming sellout tour, which includes multiple nights at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. However, she also expressed excitement about seeing other genres, such as dance music and performances by the band the Ks. This personal eclecticism mirrors the broader policy goal of supporting a varied musical ecosystem in Greater Manchester.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗There’s more to our music than Oasis, says Manchester mayor
