Manchester mayor Bev Craig has emphasized that the city's vibrant music scene extends far beyond the legacy of Oasis, announcing a new two million pound funding initiative designed to cultivate a diverse array of local artists regardless of whether they play in guitar bands. Craig detailed the investment during a creative industries conference held at MediaCity in Salford, highlighting a deliberate strategy to expand the regional music economy and secure international events.
Highlighting recent milestones, the city's Co-op Live arena hosted both the Brit awards and the Mobos earlier in the year, marking a concerted effort to celebrate Black music, culture, and creativity. Craig pointed out that while Greater Manchester is globally recognized for the influence of its historic indie guitar bands, the contemporary scene offers a much broader spectrum of talent that deserves support.
Speaking at the Beyond the Music creative industries summit, Craig addressed systemic challenges within the modern music industry, noting that it has become increasingly London-centric, middle-class, and expensive for newcomers to break through. The newly pledged funds aim to provide practical assistance, improve access to production and rehearsal facilities, and ensure sustainable local careers for musicians from all backgrounds.
The two-million-pound commitment builds upon a previously announced four-million-pound Culture Fund investment aimed at backing projects ranging from grassroots music venues to major cultural institutions. In addition to financial backing, the regional leadership addressed the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence, outlining goals to foster AI literacy among local music professionals and monitor its effects on employment and diversity.
Despite championing a wider musical palette that includes dance music and emerging acts, Craig confirmed she still plans to attend the upcoming sellout reunion tour for Oasis, which features multiple nights at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. However, she noted that her personal tastes remain broad, expressing equal enthusiasm for contemporary rising acts performing at the regional showcase events.