UK jazz ‘makes significant cultural and economic impact’

Jazz has a “significant” impact on the UK’s culture and economy, according to a new report by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG).

The authors say that the genre “consistently outperforms its level of investment” and is “inclusive by nature”.

But the report also highlights challenges – such as jazz performance receiving only 2% of Arts Council England’s live music funding, compared with opera’s 49%.

Other difficulties include a lack of European touring opportunities, a reliance on volunteers to run grassroots venues, and poor remuneration from streaming platforms.

The report calls for fairer funding allocations, a boost in National Lottery Project Grants funding for grassroots venues and musicians, and European touring support from the government.

Chris Hodgkins, one of the report’s authors, said that the UK jazz scene “is not joined up”, adding that it is “crucial that the jazz community comes together to plot their own course and destiny for mutual benefit”.