The charity Music Venue Trust have announced that they have selected six new patrons to mark International Women’s Day 2021. The patrons are Nova Twins, Adwaith, Moxie, HAAi, Kerri Watt, and Natasha Gregory. A mix of musicians, DJs, and industry professionals, the charity has chosen these women to highlight the amazing work that they do to promote grassroots venues.
Sarah Claudine, who runs Events, Projects & Communications at Music Venue Trust, said: “We are very proud to have so many remarkable women contribute to MVT, from our core team and coordinators to our board of trustees and patrons and know that this diversity is reflective of the changing face of the wider live music community.”
We announced 6 new patrons last week, ahead of #IWD2021
Say hello to @NovaTwinsMusic, @adwaithband, @DJMoxie, @haaidj, @kerriwatt, @motherartists
Read more https://t.co/3uA2TeZHzX#WomenToTheFront #ChooseToChallenge pic.twitter.com/pRl5EPWPcU— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) March 8, 2021
English rock duo Nova Twins said: “We owe so much to grassroots venues. They are the only way new bands can gain experience and start their careers! They support new artists and bring together an incredible community of local music lovers and musicians. They are essential for smaller bands touring around the UK. Without them, we don’t know where we’d be today!”
Australian DJ and producer HAAi stated: “My first years in the UK were spent playing in and going to grassroots venues. These were so crucial in not only nurturing me as a musician and performer, but also served as a safe house for likeminded creatives. These venues allow freedom of expression. Now, as a touring DJ, I understand the importance of smaller venues in really developing your craft. Without them we would be stuck in a commercial loop that is less accessible to rising talent to break through. Because of this, I am proud to be an ambassador for the Music Venue Trust.”
Director of Mother Artists Live Natasha Gregory added: “Our industry is (and our communities are) nothing without Grassroots Music Venues. It’s the start of every band’s dreams. It’s where they learn their craft, meet their fans face to face, share a drink, and form a loyal following for years to come, memories to last a lifetime and the only way to build long term solid foundations.”
Music Venue Trust has also marked International Women’s Day by using social media to shine a light on women who are doing vital work in the grassroots venue sector. They have started a campaign using the hashtag #WomenToTheFront to celebrate these fantastic women throughout the week.
Happy International Women’s Day! This year, MVT are bringing #WomenToTheFront by spotlighting some of our brilliant team- we’ll be posting their stories all week!
Up first is our Strategic Director Beverley Whitrick, talking about the challenges women can face in the industry. pic.twitter.com/qKHNLwidpI— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) March 8, 2021
