London Mayor Sadiq Khan to give £450,000 to help London grassroots music venues survive COVID-19

Khan announced the emergency fund this afternoon, writing on Twitter, "London’s world-leading music venues have been devastated by the impact of COVID-19. That’s why I’m giving £450,000 to support 141 grassroots venues across our city, tailored to their unique needs, such as rent disputes, local council discussions, or direct financial aid."

London’s world-leading music venues have been devastated by the impact of COVID-19. That’s why I’m giving £450,000 to support 141 grassroots venues across our city, tailored to their unique needs, such as rent disputes, local council discussions, or direct financial aid.

— Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) September 21, 2020

According to a press release, the Mayor of London has so far donated £178,000 to 14 grassroots music venues across 10 London boroughs.

The £450,000 support fund is part of his £2.3million Culture at Risk Business Support Fund that he announced in April that has been split between LGBTQ+ venues, the Creative Land Trust, and the BFI.

Khan said of his fund for grassroots music venues in the capital, "London’s music scene is the envy of the world and integral to our economy at night, but it has been devastated by the impact of Covid-19. I am pleased that we have been able to support music venues with essential advice and support to stay in business, and provide funding for those most in need to cover rent and other ongoing expenses at this challenging time. We will continue to do all we can to help, including pushing Government to protect jobs and provide the clear guidance that is required so they can plan for their future in our capital."

Beverley Whitrick, Strategic Director of Music Venue Trust added, "The greatest concentration of the UK grassroots music venues Music Venue Trust works with is in London. These venues are incredibly varied in terms of their programming, the communities around them and the way they operate. They are essential to London's culture, providing talent development opportunities as well as a focus for diverse creative communities across the capital. Funding from The Mayor enabled us to create a team to talk with every venue individually about how they will survive the current crisis, advise them on help that is available to them and assist them in applying to appropriate funding. The ability to give direct financial assistance to the venues most in need to ensure that they sustain has been fantastic and we are incredibly grateful that London continues to demonstrate its support for grassroot music venues in such a tangible way."

London venues including Omeara, XOYO, Camden Assembly, The Victoria in Dalston, and more have received grants so far.