Research by Spotify and Youth Music has highlighted the critical decline in youth music spaces across the UK.
“The findings reveal a generation at risk of being pushed away from music due to a combination of the cost-of-living crisis, a lack of safe spaces, and a feeling that they have not been prioritised,” said a statement.
The research shows:
• 71% of young people feel it’s too expensive to engage with music in 2025, with 72% attending fewer live shows and festivals as a result.
• A third (34%) say there aren't enough youth spaces in their area, despite 75% feeling these clubs are vital for developing creative talents.
• 75% of young people believe the government could be doing more to invest in safe spaces, and 71% think the private sector should also step up.
• Almost half (47%) believe a career in the arts was never a realistic option for them.
Between 2010 and 2023, 1,243 youth centres closed for good.
Youth Music's Rescue The Roots data found two in five (41%) grassroots youth music projects are at risk of closure – a significant increase from last year when the figure was 24%.
In response to the concerns, Spotify and Youth Music have partnered to create the Open Doors Fund, a multi-year commitment to invest in youth spaces that nurture the next generation of UK talent. The fund provides resources to sustain the places where young people can gather, create and engage with music, particularly in underserved communities.
Spotify will host Open Doors Day (July 10), an IRL event which brings young people from the 15 youth centres together with the Spotify and Youth Music teams. The day focuses on educating and empowering the next generation of young creators with support from artist and advocate Kojey Radical.
