Venue Stories - Narratives, Memories, and Histories from Britain’s Independent Music Spaces - Fraser Mann
Final Word
Venue Stories - Narratives, Memories, and Histories from Britain’s Independent Music Spaces - Fraser Mann
Mark Davyd [+]
Music Venue Trust
Mark Davyd is the founder and CEO of Music Venue Trust, the charity that represents over 270 small and medium-sized venues in the UK. He is the co-owner of Tunbridge Wells Forum, a venue he founded in a toilet over 20 years ago; CEO of Rhythmix, the music charity that works with young people in challenging circumstances; the owner of Outstanding Music, a 360-degree music company that specialises in alternative Latin music, and is the loudmouthed band manager to a stable of Spanish acts. Mark is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a regular speaker at international conferences (SXSW, LAMC, Eurosonic).
Description
There has recently been good news with many venues receiving funding to support them through the COVID crisis. However, at the time of writing there are 30 venues which are under threat and are in danger of closing. The work of the Music Venue Trust (founded in 2014) has been central in supporting small venues and in ensuring their survival. Beyond COVID, there is still work to be done to recognise the importance of small venues in the cultural and economic life of Britain. Mark Davyd, CEO of the MVT writes about their work and the importance of venues to people and communities.