Over the past ten years in the United Kingdom, a confluence of financial limitations and the shifting of community resources has placed numerous grassroots music spaces in a state of escalating pressure. These spaces serve as crucial platforms for young creatives, enabling them to explore their talents, collaborate with peers, and pursue their artistic aspirations. That's why Spotify is enthusiastic to join forces with Youth Music, a prominent U.K. charity dedicated to assisting marginalized young people in creating and monetizing music.

Why This Partnership Matters

Together, we are establishing a specialized fund aimed at supporting 15 grassroots youth spaces across the U.K. These spaces are currently on the verge of closure or struggling to endure. This initiative will furnish essential resources to sustain the gathering places where young people come together, create, and engage in music and other forms of artistic expression, particularly in underserved communities."Grassroots spaces hold an extraordinary role in shaping the future of music and creativity, especially for young individuals who depend on these spaces to express themselves and develop their skills," stated Dina Gabriel, Spotify's Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Impact. "By collaborating with Youth Music, we can make a significant difference in safeguarding these spaces and the opportunities they offer."The funding will encompass a broad spectrum of initiatives within these community hubs. For instance, there will be a band project specifically designed for disabled young people, a youth-led studio in a remote coastal town, and a music project focused on promoting inclusion for minoritized women and people of marginalized genders."These spaces are the core of local communities, providing young people with a sense of connection, inspiration, and empowerment," said Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music. "With Spotify's support, we can give these essential spaces a new lease on life, ensuring that they continue to serve young people for years to come."Earlier this year, Youth Music's Sound of the Next Generation Report shed light on the fact that engaging with music is the favorite activity among young people and a vital aspect of their lives. However, in stark contrast, the report also revealed that young people are having less access to music education. Many grassroots youth spaces that offer out-of-school music and creativity are at a high risk of closure.The report indicated that two-thirds of youth music spaces are primarily focused on short-term survival, with a quarter seriously considering closure. The situation for young people is equally dire: 98% have reported an increase in mental health issues, 69% are experiencing poverty, and 47% are going hungry. While the demand for services is on the rise, costs, rent, and bills are also increasing. Simultaneously, donations and funding are declining."The grassroots music sector is the lifeblood of our renowned music industry," said Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in the U.K. "It is crucial for emerging artists to refine their talents and provides thousands of job opportunities and spaces for young people to explore their love of music. But for too long, this sector has been under increasing pressure, with many spaces at risk of closure.""This partnership between Youth Music and Spotify is a welcome addition. Alongside our Supporting Grassroots Music Fund, we can collectively work harder to secure the future of these vital community assets and protect the talent pipeline."

Spotify's Larger Creator Equity Fund Program

The partnership is an integral part of Spotify's broader Creator Equity Fund Program and is a continuation of Spotify's dedication to supporting youth well-being and safeguarding youth spaces. This follows an earlier partnership with Mentivity, a youth mentoring organization based in South London.That partnership saw Spotify provide funding to support the opening of Mentivity House, a new youth hub on the Aylesbury Estate in Peckham. In addition, it led to the creation of The Centre, an acclaimed short film that highlighted the crucial role that youth spaces play in the early years of some of the U.K.'s leading music artists, including Youth Music alumni and Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective.