Liverpool City Region Secures £6.75 Million to Become UK’s Leading Music Innovation Hub

Liverpool City Region Secures £6.75 Million to Become UK’s Leading Music Innovation Hub

(IN BRIEF) The Liverpool City Region has been awarded £6.75 million to establish itself as a UKRI Creative Cluster for the music sector through the MusicFutures initiative. Led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, the five-year program aims to transform the region into a global music innovation hub by integrating emerging technologies with talent and business development. MusicFutures will support over 1,400 local music businesses with funding, training, and mentorship, while addressing inclusivity and sustainability challenges. Key features include apprenticeships, pathways into industries like gaming and XR, and a MusicFutures clinic offering legal and business support. Leaders have celebrated the initiative as a catalyst for cultural and economic growth, solidifying Liverpool’s legacy as a global music powerhouse.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 27-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Liverpool City Region has been selected as a new £6.75 million UKRI Creative Cluster for the music sector, marking a significant milestone in the city’s cultural and economic growth. The initiative, named MusicFutures, is led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and aims to position the region as a global leader in music research and development over the next five years.

Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), MusicFutures will accelerate innovation in the local music industry by integrating emerging technologies with talent and business development. The program seeks to bolster Liverpool’s reputation as a global music hub, driving economic growth, sustainability, and inclusivity in the sector.

In collaboration with over 20 strategic partners, including ACC Liverpool Group, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, MusicFutures will foster a vibrant music ecosystem. By addressing challenges such as environmental impact and inclusivity, the program aims to create lasting economic and cultural benefits for the region.

Key features of the initiative include funding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), bespoke training for artists, and mentorship programs to support innovation. The project also seeks to build pathways for music professionals to engage with adjacent industries such as gaming, film, and extended reality (XR), creating sustainable jobs and growth opportunities.

Leaders Celebrate the Announcement

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised Liverpool’s legacy and future potential in the music sector, stating, “Liverpool and Merseyside hold a special place in our nation’s music landscape. This funding will support imagination and experimentation, ensuring the city remains at the forefront of music innovation.”

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram highlighted the region’s cultural significance, saying, “MusicFutures will elevate our global cultural status while creating jobs, nurturing creativity, and driving economic growth.”

Cllr Lam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, added, “This investment cements Liverpool’s place as a Creative Cluster for music, paving the way for young talent and businesses to thrive while advancing eco-friendly practices in the industry.”

Transformative Goals for the Region

MusicFutures will leverage research expertise from the University of Liverpool, LJMU, and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) to empower over 1,400 regional music businesses. The initiative will address gaps in skills, management, and business development, particularly for underrepresented communities, ensuring a fairer and more inclusive music industry.

A MusicFutures clinic will provide legal and business support to small creators and innovators, helping them navigate challenges such as the rise of AI in the music industry. By fostering collaborations and commercial opportunities, the program aims to secure Liverpool’s position as a beacon for music and innovation.

Professor Richard Koeck, who leads MusicFutures, explained, “Our goal is to transform the Liverpool City Region into a global leader in music innovation by connecting world-class research with a thriving ecosystem of over 1,400 businesses.”

Professor Rachel McLean, Chair of the Liverpool City Region’s Creative and Digital Cluster Board, emphasized sustainability, adding, “As the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action under the UN Climate Change ECCA program, Liverpool is uniquely positioned to lead in sustainable music innovation.”

The program also includes apprenticeships and training opportunities provided by LIPA to cultivate the next generation of music artists and entrepreneurs.

A Bold Vision for the Future

MusicFutures represents a bold step toward ensuring Liverpool remains a vital cultural and economic powerhouse. By integrating innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the initiative promises to shape the future of music while celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool