Support Your Local Music Scene – What Artists Say

Live music venues and clubs lay the ground for an abundant artistic scene that we cherish as our European heritage. The diversity of the music stages, everywhere in Europe, gives thrilling opportunities for music encounters between people. They are the music sector’s foundation when it comes to artistic creation and the development of new talents. As such, they are the lifeblood of the European live music sector and essential for its growth and vitality.

Artists are the best witnesses when it comes to highlighting the important role of these stages for their practice and the development of their careers.

Together with our members, we collected statements from artists from all over Europe. Find out what they say about live music venues and clubs.

WHAT ARTISTS SAY – STATEMENTS

Live music stages matter – to the artists, to the audiences, and to the local communities.

Yet, all over Europe, those live music venues and clubs constantly face challenges that endanger their activities: consequences linked to urban development and the densification of cities such as gentrification and raising business rates, increasing noise complaints, lack of recognition in the cultural public policies leading to unadapted regulations, cuts or absence in subsidies.

Change is needed.

We have been working since 2012 to raise awareness about the huge social, cultural, and economic impact of those small places located all over Europe.

We call on decision makers, cultural institutions and the whole live music scene to act together and to protect, secure and improve the conditions of the smallest live music venues, clubs, and festivals in order to allow prosperous and thriving future of the whole live music sector:

  • The nurturing and protection of the diversity of organisations (from small and medium sized independent companies to non-profit organisations) facing multinational companies seeking private profit only.
  • The recognition of venues for their cultural and social values and not only as entertainment and facilitate their access to funding and/or beneficial tax regimes.
  • The development of a fair legislation that does not solely accommodate large corporate monopolies.
  • The organisation of a dialogue between the sector and policy makers to cooperate on the design and implementation of public policies.
  • The support of the sector’s structuration by strengthening representative national and European associations.

PRESS MAP – WHAT ARTISTS SAY