Pilot scheme to encourage ‘risk taking’ music promoters launches

A new funding programme designed to mitigate the financial risk associated with promoting grassroots music events has launched in Cardiff.

Delivered by Cardiff Music City project, which is led by Cardiff Council, the ALLBWN / OUTPUT pilot scheme will provide a guarantee against loss of up to £1,000 to successful applicants.

Open to new promoters, artists that self-promote and those who have a proven track record, the scheme aims to increase the number of gigs in the city.

Under the programme, costs such as venue hire and band fees will be covered by an agreed-upon guarantee against loss. This means that if ticket sales do not reach the required level to cover the costs, Cardiff Music City will make up the balance.

To be eligible, the gig must take place in a Cardiff Grassroots Music Venue or appropriate space before 2 March 2025 and have a break-even point at under 80% of ticket sales.

The announcement follows the launch of Cardiff Council’s new Grassroots Venues Fund, which offers grants of up to £10,000 to independent venues.

“We are determined to do as much as we can to help deliver a thriving, diverse and exciting music scene in Cardiff all year around,” said chair of Cardiff Music Board and council leader Huw Thomas.

“For that to happen, we need audiences to keep supporting independent venues by going out and seeing live music, but we also need passionate, risk-taking promoters and a steady supply of up-and-coming artists to play in the city’s venues.

“Although we don’t have the power or the finances to solve all the UK-wide challenges faced by the music sector, mitigating some of the financial risk of putting on a gig is one step we believe could potentially have a significant positive impact.”

Applications to ALLBWN / OUTPUT are open until 31st January 2025.