University of Liverpool Secures Major Funding for Groundbreaking Live Music Mapping Project

University of Liverpool Secures Major Funding for Groundbreaking Live Music Mapping Project

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool has secured a £299,996 AHRC Catalyst grant for the Live Music Mapping Project 2.0, a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize live music data collection and analysis using machine learning. Launching in January 2025, the two-year project will deliver real-time insights into the music sector’s social, economic, and cultural impact through interactive platforms like dashboards and maps. In collaboration with partners such as the Night Time Industries Association, LIVE, and regional music boards, the project aims to support policymakers, industry leaders, and local authorities in driving sustainable growth. The initiative builds on previous research and will focus on key UK music hubs, with potential for international expansion. Industry leaders hailed the project as a vital tool for advancing the live music and night-time economy through data-driven innovation and evidence-based policy-making.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 23-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Academics from the University of Liverpool have received a £299,996 UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Catalyst grant for an innovative project set to transform the UK’s music sector. The Live Music Mapping Project 2.0, led by Dr. Mathew Flynn (Department of Music), Professor Alex Singleton (Geographic Data Service), and Dr. Yang Zhang (Virtual Engineering Centre), aims to revolutionize how live music data is gathered, analyzed, and utilized to drive industry growth and policy-making.

Launching in January 2025, the two-year project will create an automated system powered by machine learning to streamline data collection and analysis traditionally reliant on manual methods. This scalable tool will deliver real-time insights into the live music sector’s economic, social, and cultural impact, displayed in user-friendly formats such as dashboards and maps.

Innovative Collaboration for the UK Music Sector
The project, a collaboration with partners including the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), Live Music Industry Venues and Entertainment (LIVE), Liverpool and West Midlands City Region Music Boards, and Generator in Newcastle, will focus on key UK music hubs, with plans for potential international expansion. It builds upon earlier live music mapping research in cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, and Newcastle, including a prototype project that analyzed the impact of Eurovision in Liverpool.

The team will also work with Newcastle University’s Dr. Adam Behr and Aston University’s Dr. Patrycja Rozbicka to bring multidisciplinary expertise to the initiative.

Transformative Impact on Live Music and Policy
Dr. Flynn highlighted the project’s potential, stating, “This initiative leverages machine learning to compile and verify datasets, delivering insights through an interactive platform. Stakeholders will be able to assess live music’s economic and social role through data on attendance, venue distribution, and socio-economic impact, providing a vital resource for sustainable development.”

Professor Singleton added, “As the first scalable tool of its kind, this project offers unparalleled potential to reshape our understanding of live music’s cultural and economic footprint, empowering evidence-based urban and regional planning.”

Support from Industry Leaders
Jon Collins, Chief Executive of LIVE, emphasized the importance of robust data in shaping policy:
“This project offers a critical evidence base for understanding the UK’s music sector, enabling policymakers to identify gaps and opportunities. We’re excited to collaborate with the University of Liverpool to strengthen partnerships and grow the industry.”

Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, called the project a game-changer for the night-time economy:
“With real-time data and actionable insights, this initiative will revolutionize policy-making and investment within the live music sector. It’s an essential step towards innovation and sustainability, ensuring the resilience of this vital industry.”

The Live Music Mapping Project 2.0 promises to deliver actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and local authorities, driving the sustainable growth of the UK’s live music ecosystem while setting the stage for future global applications.

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