Own Our Venues campaign succeeds in securing first funding for MVT to start buying UK grassroots gig spaces

nme.com:

The project was announced in May last year with artists like Ed Sheeran backing the Own Our Venues campaign. In the months that followed, the MVT raised over £2.3million through a series of donations and investments.“We are delighted to let you know that the Music Venue Properties Board met today and voted unanimously to move ahead with modelling the purchase of the first set of Grassroots Music Venues,” said the MVT in a statement.“This community owned society will now forge ahead to deliver one of the primary long-term goals of MVT; radical change to the ownership of the UK’s grassroots circuit to deliver stable, supported and ethically managed properties that provide long term security for Britain’s fantastic venue operators.”In total, 1261 people contributed to the £2,318,210. “In the face of extraordinary times for the economy and the political life of the nation, this is a remarkable achievement and demonstrates once again that the music community believes passionately in the importance of these vital spaces for artists and audiences,” said the Music Venue Trust.We did it!!

The community raised £2,318,110 made up of 1212 investors for the #OwnOurVenues campaign. For more info on what happens now watch Mark’s video or read our full statement on our website ➡️ https://t.co/RnLM6Wo6xn pic.twitter.com/rCnGVpDvMD— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) March 31, 2023“MVT has a motto: ‘People who say it cannot be done should get out of the way of the people doing it’.