Today (19th of July) marks the launch of an exciting new project by the Independent Venue Community, which aims to bring people who have become disenfranchised in the world of live gigs and broaden the appeal of participating in the music industry. The IVC was developed by the founder of Independent Venue Week (IVW), with planned music-based activities and programmes which will draw in new audiences to these humble grassroots venues.
There will be; “a strong emphasis on underserved communities and those living in areas of low arts engagement”, press material reads. The initiative will initially target six specific strands: early years; young people; the deaf, disabled and neurodivergent; mental health and wellbeing; LGBTQIA+, and older years.”. A full list of the programme’s activities can be found here.
Similar projects across the country no doubt inspired this new initiative, with organisations like the Warren Youth Project in Hull and the Gig Buddies scheme which focuses on inclusivity for those with learning difficulties. The work conducted by the IVC is thanks to funding from the Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, the Welsh Government and Youth Music.
Sybil Bell (IVC founder) stated; “Independent venues are the absolute heart of the music business, from small villages, to towns and cities, all around the country. What’s less appreciated, however, is the role they can play as community spaces, where local people can express themselves, try new things or simply come together in person.
“From first-hand experience, with initiatives like The Warren Youth Project in Hull or our own Soundcheck Sessions and BE, activity like this can have genuinely life-changing outcomes for people, especially those who don’t normally get access to these kinds of opportunities.”
“Our goal with Independent Venue Community is to harness these individual pockets of brilliance, and to inspire more venues to engage with groups and individuals in their area. Ultimately, we want to build a national network of engaged local communities, and encourage more music venues to throw their doors open in the day. By doing this, I believe they can increase and diversify the people coming through their doors and unlock significant hidden value and talent. It’s a win-win situation.”
To kick off the start of this movement a special event is being held at Lafayette London. There will be a panel discussion with supporting stars like; Nova Twins, Phillip Selway (Radiohead), Dom Frazer (The Boileroom), Kris Halpin (Dyskinetic), JJ Tatten (The Warren), Paul “Jacko” Jackson (The New Adelphi Society), Angelle Joseph (Ipswich Community Media & Future Female Society), Jodie Langford and the music journalist Jude Rogers will be moderating the panel.
