Welsh government boosts its support for grassroots venues

Independent music venues across Wales have received a £718k boost from the Creative Wales Music Capital Fund.

One of the 17 organisations to benefit – Porters in Cardiff – said the money helped it move to a new location last year after it had to leave its former home because the landlord planned to develop the site. 

Dan Porter, the club’s owner, said: “I cannot overstate how difficult it is for grassroots venues at the moment – everything is against us in a perfect storm. 

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“Without support like this, we would have found it impossible to continue, and artists and audiences would have lost another venue. 

“We thank everyone behind this fund for their vision and in helping us to not only to carry on what we started in 2012, but for giving us a foundation to develop and build a future from.”

Porter added that the funding has also helped to make the new venue more accessible for disabled customers.

“All of our gigs have always been free entry,” said Porter, "And now, with the improved accessibility that this fund has allowed us to put in place, truly all barriers to entry have been removed.”

Making the funding announcement during Independent Venue Week, Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Dawn Bowden said: “The Music Capital Fund has encouraged a step change in the music industry. 

“Improved facilities will add to the range of use of venues, attract better artists and increase audience numbers. All of which will have an immediate economic benefit to music businesses, their supply chains, and the industry as a whole.

The other venues to receive funding are Le Public Space, Newport; Acapela Studio Cardiff; Bank Vault, Aberystwyth; Bourton's Live Music Café Bar, Bargoed; Merthyr Labour Club and Institute Ltd; Misfits Social Clwb, Cardiff; The Cab, Newport; The Cwmcarn Hotel / The Fork & Tune; Patriot Home of Rock, Crumlin; Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd; Afan Ales and Fine Wines, Port Talbot; Canolfan Gymraeg Saith Seren Wrecsam; CWRW Carmarthen; CellB, Blaenau Ffestiniog; ROC2 Studios,  Wrexham; The Bunkhouse, Swansea.