Specialist music insurance provider Insure4Music has created an interactive map of its pick of the UK’s best small venues.

The map, designed as a reference tool for both artists and concertgoers, is split into 12 regional pages, with each containing key statistics for each region’s venues, such as capacity, contact details and whether they provide a backline.

It also features pieces of of ‘did you know?’ trivia about each venue, as well as notable acts who’ve played there and insights from venue spokespeople.

John Spellar MP – who tabled a bill, later adopted by the government, that introduces the agent-of-change principle to protect small venues from property developers – comments: “This map highlights why the UK’s vibrant live music scene is celebrated the world over. Quite simply, small music venues make our country a more attractive destination.

“This map highlights why the UK’s vibrant live music scene is celebrated the world over”

“The most famous musicians of all time have started out at some of these iconic venues and it’s vital that people continue to support them. Otherwise, the future of live music is in danger.

“The support for agent of change has been fantastic and the bill’s success presents a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of musical talent to emerge. Local councils must use the power they’ve now been given to back British music.”

View the Small Music Venues Index by clicking below:

If there’s a venue missing you think should be included, tweet @Insure4Music with your suggestions.

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In a first for the Australian live industry, the National Live Music Office has unveiled a ‘Live Music Map’ designed to highlight “everything needed to tour the country” as a musician.

The map (pictured), developed by the Live Music Office in association with the South Australian government (through its Music Development Office and Australian Music Radio Airplay Project, or Amrap), lists music venues, agents, promoters, radio stations, recording and rehearsal studios, music education centres, production/backline companies and more, making it “easier than ever before for artists to gather support and airplay on the road”, says Amrap’s Chris Johnson.

In a launch statement, the Live Music Office says: “Live performance provides a major part of an artist’s income. With the Live Music Map, we are removing barriers and connecting various components of the live music sector to help artists tour the country with ease. We hope it will create more opportunities for performers and bolster the great live music venues that exist across Australia.”

“The Live Music Map will ensure the ongoing success of this industry by providing bands and musicians with the right tools to … reach new audiences”

South Australia’s minister for manufacturing and innovation, Kyam Maher, says he hopes the Live Music Map will help to develop his state’s live music sector. “Live music is vital to South Australia’s economy, contributing more than A$260 million and supporting more than 4,000 jobs,” he comments. “The Live Music Map will ensure the ongoing success of this industry by providing bands and musicians with the right tools to showcase their creative ideas, and develop their business capabilities to reach new audiences.”

Music businesses that want to be considered for inclusion can fill in the form under the Google-powered map.

The Live Music Office was set up by the Australian government in 2014 to review the impact of policy on the country’s live music sector. Its scope includes planning, licensing, regulation and audience/market development.

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