The plan outlines how the Government will work with the sector to grow business investment in the creative industries, including music, from £17 billion to £31 billion.
As part of the strategy, the UK’s music industry will benefit from a £30 million music growth package over the next three years to support emerging artists. A new ticket levy on arena gigs, led by the industry, will also be introduced to fund the grassroots sector.
The Government has reaffirmed support for an industry-led agreement on music streaming. This is a positive step aimed at improving earnings for creators, including songwriters and composers.
Music education will be strengthened through the creation of a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education in England, due to open in September 2026. The national curriculum will also be reformed to include creative subjects and skills, helping to inspire and support the next generation of talent.
A new Freelance Champion will be appointed to sit on a relaunched and expanded Creative Industries Council, advocating for the 72% of workers in music, performing and visual arts who are freelancers or self-employed.
The development of a new Creative Content Exchange aims to create a digital marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and accessing creative assets. The Ivors Academy will be pushing the Government to ensure this exchange upholds creator consent, control and fair pay - placing music makers at the centre of the new platform.
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said, “We welcome the Government’s £30 million investment in a music growth package, the commitment to music education through the creation of a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education in England, and progress towards an industry-led agreement on music streaming. These are important steps that recognise the value of music to our economy and culture and signal a clear intention to improve how music makers are supported and paid.
As the new Creative Content Exchange is developed, it is essential that creator consent, control and fair pay are placed at its heart, ensuring any marketplace for digital and creative assets works for those who create music and are essential to its future.”
