MISSION
LIVE Trust protects, expands and supports the grassroots music ecosystem across the UK.
While aware of the need to address the immediate crisis in grassroots music, the LIVE Trust will support and expand new and existing cross-sector programmes designed to have a long term positive impact on our sector - improving the trading environment and unlocking opportunities for all.
OBJECTIVES
Reduce Costs: Provide targeted support that helps to ease financial pressures by providing emergency relief and also supporting investment in sustainable growth.
Provide Expertise and Networks: Support programmes that strengthen peer-to-peer networks, learning, professional advice and collaborative ways of working to build resilience across the sector.
Invest in Infrastructure: Fund improvements in physical, digital, and organisational capacity, from equipment and accessible facilities to artist accommodation, policies, insurance, and health & safety standards. Creating safer, more inclusive environments.
Nurture Emerging Talent: Invest in the next generation of on and off stage live industry talent; supporting creators and creatives at the start of their careers enabling them to enter and thrive in the live music economy and protect its future.
Support Risk-Takers: Fund venues, artists, promoters and festivals to experiment, innovate, and expand the range of live music experiences available to audiences.
WHO WE ARE
LIVE Trust was created by LIVE, the representative body for live music in the UK that brings together actors from across our sector. The Trust benefits from support from promoters, artists, managers, agents, venues, festivals and more, working across genres, and regions of the UK. This is reflected in the make up of our board of trustees.
HOW WE ARE FUNDED
We collect a contribution of £1 per ticket sold for arena and stadium shows above 5,000 capacity. Once a show has taken place, we receive the contributions. We’ll use this to provide grants to organisations and programmes that support grassroots music.
PHASE ONE FUNDING
Phase one will run from October 2025 to April 2026.
This will be an opportunity for organisations to apply for funding by invitation of LIVE Trust. This gives the trust an opportunity to:
1. Put money immediately where it is most needed and has the most impact, addressing some of the most urgent challenges the sector is facing at this time.
2. Build and test robust internal processes at the Trust including; finance, donations, grant management and reporting structures.
During phase one, we’ll fund up to six programmes across the industry that meet LIVE Trust’s objectives. Funded organisations will already exist and have the ability to deliver impactful programmes as soon as possible. We will have a clear application process, ensuring programmes funded are benefiting diverse communities across the UK and supporting grassroots music scenes across all aspects of the ecosystem.
PHASE TWO FUNDING
More information on phase two funding will be available soon. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know!
“We are glad government has entrusted our sector to play our part in addressing the crisis in grassroots music. Alongside government’s work to deliver an improved trading environment, we are accelerating the work of the LIVE Trust. Together, we will continue our work to help safeguard the future of grassroots music, and ensure our sector remains world- leading, brings joy to millions, and delivers economic growth in towns and cities across the UK” Jon Collins, LIVE CEO.
