The Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues, has launched #savethe30; a new phase of its #SaveOurVenues campaign. The #savethe30 campaign will be focused on securing the future of 30 grass roots venues that are in danger of closure.
MVT have checked all the available funding, financial support, furlough schemes and business support for these 30 venues. However, what is on offer is not enough to prevent these venues from being lost.
These grassroots venues play a crucial role in the development of British music; nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills. These venues also play a vital role in the cultural and economic vibrancy of any village, town or city.
The #savethe30 ‘Traffic Light’ campaign will highlight venues considered safe, at risk or in danger between now and March 31. Venues in ‘critical’ red status include The Lexington in London, Brixton Windmill, The Venue in Derby, The Railway Inn in Winchester, The Gellions in Inverness and The Lantern in Halifax.
A crowdfunding initiative launched on 11th November, with the aim of helping to secure the future of the 30 venues. Contributors can choose a venue to donate to. If a target is reached by a particular venue, the surplus donations will go towards supporting other venues in crisis.
As part of these crowdfunding efforts, there will also be a new range of merchandise available to support this campaign and available for Christmas delivery. Every item bought directly supports a venue, with MVT paying the costs of printing, packing and delivery.
MVT are also urging people to write to their local MP, council and local charities to call for action to help prevent their closure.
“If we don’t act to save them right now, we do expect a large number of them to be permanently closed – it’s as simple as that,” Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd told NME. “This is the final option. Unless a significant movement is made in the next four weeks, we should expect them to start closing in the middle of December.”
He continued: “Without the public and artists getting behind the #SaveOurVenues campaign, 500 venues would already have closed since March. The fact that we’re now looking at over 400 being safe is a remarkable achievement. If everyone comes back with the same support, we could genuinely save these 30 venues.”
If you want to help save these venues, you can click here to donate.