UK artist touring fund launches ahead of proposed ticket levy scheme
A new fund for grassroots artists has been established to distribute money raised from a proposed ticket levy on large-capacity venues.
The UK Artist Touring (UKAT) Fund will allocate funds raised by LIVE Trust, an industry-supported charity set up to receive and administer funds once a levy scheme is established.
The UK government has said it wants stadiums and arenas to join the proposed scheme voluntarily, but Arts Minister Chris Bryant has said it will be made statutory if necessary.
The UKAT Fund will be administered by the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), the UK’s only representative body specifically focussing on the rights and interests of artists.
It will receive funds collected by LIVE Trust and then distribute donations to artists.
Open to applications from artists, DJs and other music performers, the fund will contribute to touring budgets in order to address any shortfalls.
The initiative has been developed in partnership with the Musicians’ Union and the Music Managers Forum.
FAC CEO David Martin said: “The FAC has established the UKAT Fund in preparation for when the LIVE Trust becomes operational and starts to distribute revenue from the incoming ticket contributions.
“It will ensure that any funding allocated for grassroots artists can be distributed in the most effective, transparent and efficient way possible.”
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