Insight
The blueprint from UK Music is clear, the industry that does so much for the Scottish (and wider UK) economy, is determined to return to the strength it was before the pandemic.
The Recovery Plan focuses on what can be done in support of (i) existing and emerging talent, (ii) live events and (iii) the export of the industry to the rest of the world. All of these areas face different challenges in the months and years to come.
Talent –
The focus of the Plan is on an increase in government funding for the largely self-employed talent base (through funding channels similar to the Cultural Recovery Fund), as well as increased promotion of music education
Events
– For events, the full use of the CRF is seen as vital, particularly where public confidence in attending events is likely to remain low for the time being. It is not just public confidence in events that is the concern, a shift in certain pandemic related restrictions when attending the events themselves is suggested, prioritising testing and face coverings over social distancing, to enhance the experience for the public when attending events.
Export – https://www.bpi.co.uk/news-analysis/music-export-growth-scheme/) or the PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund (https://prsfoundation.com/funding-support/funding-music-creators/international/international-showcase-fund/) as examples of vital resources in this regard. Emphasis is placed on international touring and the value that brings on the industry, which has the added difficulty of Brexit as well as the pandemic. Finally, establishing a government export office for the music industry (akin to other countries) and providing tax incentives, are seen as the other ways of promoting the sector internationally.
Doubling of export funding is encouraged, putting into focus the BPI-administered Music Export Growth Scheme (
Conclusion
From a personal perspective, Glasgow has already seen a number of large music events hosted in the summer and autumn months, which, along with the return of supporters to sports stadiums, really has brought a sense of things moving in the right direction out of this pandemic. Scotland has also seen a number of emerging artists break onto the scene in a big way during the pandemic. This begs the question, what can be achieved in the months and years ahead. The government’s spending review is set to be released on 27 October 2021, and we will need to see what focus is given to this vital industry.