Belfast invests £400k into developing local scene

Belfast City Council is set to invest £400,000 in the city’s live music sector, three years after being named a UNESCO City of Music.

The latest round of funding is designated to bolster the development of local artists and the local music scene while maximising opportunities gained through the UNESCO designation.

The Northern Irish capital city is the only city on the island to earn the accolade, and the third across the British Isles after Glasgow and Liverpool. Globally, 75 cities have been awarded the distinction.

“A huge amount of work has gone into maximising the benefits of our UNESCO City of Music status and ensuring we support and strengthen our industry to unlock its potential to create jobs, develop vibrancy and help people access the arts,” says Micky Murray, Belfast lord mayor.

“With council’s support, this good work will continue, giving our musicians and those working in the gig economy the tools, skills and opportunities to develop their careers, both in Belfast and beyond our shores,” he says.

Since earning the distinction in 2021, the Belfast city council has developed a Music Matters roadmap and established the Belfast Region Music Board. Last June, the council partnered with Music Venues Trust to inject £20,000 into grassroots venues, aligning with their Music Matters initiative to upgrade spaces and equipment for local spaces.

“This funding will help further embed music in the heart of our city and offer a platform for all who contribute to its world-beating calibre”

Last October, the council announced a £5.9 million investment to deliver the city’s “biggest ever cultural and creative celebration” across a months-long initiative this year, generating over 200 events, workshops, and activities through November.

The Belfast 2024 programme, described by former lord mayor Michael Long as a “game-changer”, was designed to boost both local and international tourism.

This programming includes the UNESCO City of Music Day, set for 9 November, which will feature artists from fellow music city Kansas City, as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival.

“With this £400,000 investment, we’re focused on creating real opportunities for independent artists, venues and initiatives across all genres,” says Brian Coney, Belfast Region Music Board member. “The support for grassroots talent, alongside larger projects, demonstrates how seriously we take Belfast’s rich musical heritage and its future.”

“This funding will help further embed music in the heart of our city and offer a platform for all who contribute to its world-beating calibre.”

IQ dug into the music scene of Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic in our latest market feature, as part of the latest edition of IQ.

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