Music Venue Trust announces ‘Artist Pledge’ campaign

Music Venue Trust (MVT) has launched a new campaign calling on musicians to support grassroots music venues.

'The Artist Pledge' is asking for artists to make a commitment to give back to small venues at a point in their careers when they are headlining arenas.

Toni Coe-Brooker at MVT said the campaign is “asking artists today to stand with all of us in the grassroots sector as a show of solidarity".

He added it was important for everyone working with artists – managers, agents, promoters and venues – "to find a way to send financial support back down the pipeline”.

More than 45 artists have so far pledged support, including Frank Turner, snake eyes, The Luka State, Sister, Red Rum Club and Vigilantes.

MVT said that in 2023, 16% of the UK’s grassroots music venues closed or ceased to programme new music due to financial issues such as energy costs, rent and rates.

The charity wants every concert ticket sold at arena and stadium level to contain a levy to provide financial support to the grassroots sector.

Artists can sign the pledge at www.musicvenuetrust.com/the-artist-pledge.