Artists without touring access apply for £300k funding to make music inclusive
The cost of touring is a notorious obstacle in the live music world, often forcing talented artists to choose between artistic vision and financial survival. But a powerful movement is gaining momentum, driven by a coalition of artists and industry figures determined to make live music more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
This momentum is now channeling into the Featured Artists Coalition’s UKAT fund, which has evolved into a powerful mechanism designed to alleviate the financial strain faced by musicians seeking to embark on tours.
The initiative began in March with the first phase, a “game-changing” £125,000 fund. This initial phase was fueled by a unique approach: a voluntary “levy” ticket contribution, backed by major artists like Harry Styles, Radiohead, Lorde, and Kasabian, alongside support from the Music Managers Forum and the Musicians’ Union.
This initial success proved the model’s viability, unlocking significant economic activity. The LIVE Trust, working alongside the FAC, has already distributed over £500,000 through these schemes and other infrastructure funding initiatives.
Now, the focus shifts to Phase Two, aiming for an even bigger step towards true inclusivity. Artists have a final window to apply for “top up” financial support, with the updated fund offering up to £8,000 to cover shortfalls in touring budgets. This support can fund a combination of headline, support, and festival shows, even including unconfirmed bookings.
This funding is designed to empower artists who often cannot afford the risk of touring, allowing them to step onto the road and ensure that their performances are not financially punishing. As the Coalition CEO noted, this is crucial for those who might otherwise be locked out of the industry simply because they cannot absorb financial losses.
The true impact of this system is a virtuous cycle. Donations from major arena and stadium gigs now provide a tangible lifeline, enabling artists to play shows, which in turn creates more opportunities and audience pipelines. It is a powerful demonstration that when the industry works together, significant change is possible.
This development highlights a growing consensus that changes need to be made to ensure the supply chain of musical talent is supported. While there is ongoing discussion about making ticket levies mandatory for all large-scale gigs, the current progress shows that artists and industry leaders are actively steering the evolution of live music into a more equitable future.
Artists have until 11.59pm on Sunday, September 13th, to submit their applications for UKAT funding. This is more than just financial aid; it is a powerful testament to the collective power of the music community to reshape the landscape for everyone.
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