There’s more to our music than Oasis, says Manchester mayor
Manchester's mayor Bev Craig has announced £2m in funding to support the city's music scene beyond its famous indie heritage, pledging investment to help local artists develop their careers regardless of genre. The announcement comes as Greater Manchester hosted a creative industries conference, emphasising the city's commitment to nurturing diverse talent in an increasingly challenging industry for emerging musicians.
The funding will improve access to rehearsal and production space across the city region, complementing a separate £4m Culture Fund investment announced earlier this month. This comes after Manchester's Co-op Live arena hosted major events including the Brit Awards and the Mobos, Europe's biggest celebration of Black music and culture, demonstrating the city's broader strategy to establish itself as a creative hub.
- Manchester pledges £2m to support emerging artists across diverse genres
- Funding focuses on improving access to rehearsal and production space
- Investment reflects ambition to position the city as a major creative hub
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Manchester's musical identity has been shaped by 1990s indie rock, particularly Oasis, who achieved international success from the city. This iconic era has dominated how Manchester is perceived internationally for several decades. However, Manchester's contemporary music scene is far more diverse, encompassing many different genres and styles beyond this particular historical movement.
Emerging musicians everywhere face significant practical challenges in developing their careers, including access to affordable rehearsal spaces, recording studios and production facilities. These resources are essential for artists to create work, experiment with their sound, and build the foundations for professional success. Cities often invest in cultural infrastructure of this kind as a way to support local talent and establish themselves as creative hubs where musicians can thrive.