The UK government has announced a £45 million plan to support artists, venues and young people in the music sector. The move comes as Andy Burnham takes office as the new Prime Minister.
The funding, detailed in the 'Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music', will back more than 40,000 artists and businesses along with 2,000 projects and millions of children over three years. It includes £12.5 million to turn libraries into music spaces and £10 million for creative mentoring.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said music belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few. She added that the plan aims to put music back at the heart of education after years of cuts.
Minister Ian Murray said the investment should create a fundamental step change and called on big artists and promoters to support grassroots venues. He confirmed work continues on a bill to ban ticket touts and on easing post-Brexit touring rules.
UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl welcomed Burnham's return to government and urged faster action on the £1 ticket levy, AI copyright rules and the touring crisis.
