Nationwide initiative launches to connect independent venues with local communities

A new UK initiative aims to strengthen the relationships between independent venues and their surrounding communities. 

Independent Venue Community, from the team behind Independent Venue Week, wants to make grassroots clubs more accessible and welcoming to their neighbours by offering daytime music-based programmes in order to reach new audiences, Music Week reports.

The programme will have a “strong emphasis on underserved communities and those living in areas of low arts engagement.” IVC’s goals include helping venues better connect people young and old, the deaf, disabled and neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ and other groups who might not usually visit music venues, as well as provide education on how venues work behind the scenes.

“When we were coming up, we were one of the only women and people of colour on the bills and in the crowd, a lot of the time,” said Nova Twins’ Amy Love and Georgia South, who are serving as ambassadors for IVC. “It was isolating and we were often met with confusion or rejection because of some people’s lack of education and experience. Music is for everyone. People should be given the same opportunities regardless of where they are from, their race or sexual orientation. Everyone should feel welcome and have a safe space to enjoy music freely.”

According to IVC founder Sybil Bell, “Ultimately, we want to build a national network of engaged local communities, and encourage more music venues to throw their doors open in the day. By doing this, I believe they can increase and diversify the people coming through their doors and unlock significant hidden value and talent.”

For more information, visit Independent Venue Community’s website.