The UK government is injecting £6.75m into Liverpool’s music sector to foster innovation and sustainability.
- Targeting live music, this funding integrates AI and XR to enhance the city’s musical scene.
- Liverpool’s two universities spearhead a five-year plan, boosting research and development in music.
- Key partnerships are forming, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and M&S Bank Arena, to create a MusicFutures cluster.
- Prominent figures emphasize the city’s music heritage and its evolving role in creative industries.
The UK government has embarked on a significant initiative, granting £6.75 million to bolster Liverpool City’s vibrant music scene. This funding aims to not only sustain but elevate Liverpool’s position on the global music stage by fostering innovation through new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR). These advancements are set to revolutionize how live music is experienced while also providing a pathway towards greater environmental sustainability.
The funding supports a collaborative effort involving major local institutions, including the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. Over the next five years, these universities will lead the MusicFutures cluster, a project designed to turn Liverpool into a hub for music research and development. The involvement of significant venues, like the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the M&S Bank Arena, underscores the project’s breadth and ambition.
Part of a broader investment initiative, Liverpool was selected alongside the West Midlands to receive equal funding focuses. Both areas are part of the government’s Creative Industries Clusters initiative, aimed at growing specific creative subsectors across the UK. This aligns with efforts by UK Research and Innovation and the Arts and Humanities Research Council to foster creativity concentrated in strategic regions.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy recognized Liverpool and Merseyside’s unique status within the national music landscape. She highlighted the initiative as an opportunity to transform the region into a “hotbed for imagination and experimentation,” emphasizing eco-friendly practices at music events. By enhancing opportunities for tech-savvy artists and freelance creatives, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.
Led by the two universities, MusicFutures is expected to transform the Liverpool City Region into a “powerhouse” for music innovation. The project emphasizes research and development, talent cultivation, and business mentorship, offering new opportunities for small and medium enterprises within the music industry. The strategic plan includes providing tailored training and mentorship to uplift local talents, ensuring sustainable growth for the entire creative economy.
Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram expressed pride in the city’s storied music history, as reflected in iconic acts like The Beatles, and its continuing evolution. He sees the new funding as a means to further cement Liverpool’s status as a cutting-edge music city while stimulating local economic growth by creating jobs and supporting community innovation.
This strategic investment in Liverpool’s music sector marks a significant step towards securing its future as a global leader in music innovation and sustainability.
