A Northern Music Export Office has been proposed by Tees Valley Combined Authority, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the North East Combined Authority.
The initiative – announced at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas – is designed to “accelerate the international growth of the North’s thriving music scene and provide national and international touring support, as well as export opportunities for professionals and showcases”, according to a statement.
The Northern Music Export Office would offer both national and international touring grants, targeted resources, mentorship and export-ready development programmes to ensure that the North’s Music sector is well-equipped for success on the world stage.
The initiative will focus on increasing the global visibility of the region’s music sector, driving exports, facilitating international opportunities and supporting the growth of emerging music talent.
“Music is an essential part of the North’s cultural identity, and we are thrilled to see this initiative developed,” said Mick Ross, CEO of Generator NE. “The Northern Music Export Office will provide invaluable support to our artists, helping them access international markets, grow their careers, and showcase their talent to the world, whilst recognising the need for national tour support for artists.”
Sam Fender, who is from North Shields, has backed the initiative.
“Giving artists from the North funding and support to tour nationally and internationally is key to ensuring opportunity is for everyone involved in the sector, not just for the few,” he said. “Projects such as this will help musicians reach audiences beyond their own regions, which has always been massively important.”
The Northern Music Export Office will offer a range of services, including export training, global showcase opportunities, advice on international touring, and access to funding and grants. The office will also facilitate international networking and partnerships with music industry professionals worldwide.
It comes after artists from across the North, including North-East singer-songwriters Cortney Dixon, Amelia Coburn and Finn Forster (pictured), were part of a delegation promoting the northern creative industries at SXSW.
The Northern Music Export Office will provide invaluable support to our artists
Mick Ross
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We have incredible talent across our region and we want to have the very best support to allow these fantastic artists to achieve their potential.
“The new Export Office will provide vital backing to bring Teesside artists to a global audience and further demonstrate how we are leading the way in providing innovative support across a wide range of industries.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I want to see a new generation of home grown-talent North East Talent find its place on the world stage.
“We have so many great young musicians here in our region, and this new Export Office builds on our success in bringing the MOBO awards to Newcastle and attracting a major label recording studio to the region, opening the door to real opportunities for them.”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “From The Beatles to the Real Thing and many more, music has always been part of the fabric of the Liverpool City Region – it’s woven into our identity. We’re renowned, not just in the UK, but globally, for the talent that we produce.
“From grassroots investment in the next generation of musical superstars through our Sound! Music Hub, to hosting Eurovision and some of the world’s biggest headliners in the UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool, we are cementing our region’s cultural legacy and its future on the world stage.
“The new Northern Music Export Office is set to provide fantastic opportunities for artists in our region and help put them in the spotlight where they belong.”
Generator North East and its partners are already working closely with global music export agencies and international industry partners.
Through this partnership, the Northern Music Export Office will position the North as a global hub for music innovation and creativity, with the hope to bring in other Combined Authorities in 2025.
PHOTO: Finn Forster performing at SXSW (credit: Tynesight)
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