Back in May, more than 140 figures from Northern Ireland’s music sector signed a letter calling for urgent and meaningful action from the Minister for Communities (a post temporarily being held by Carál Ní Chuilín), and NI’s political leaders, to support the music community.
The letter was sent to the Minster responsible for the Arts – Deirdre Hargey MLA – on 12 May 2020 and recently shared with the BBC. It is being published today with a plea for the music sector not to be left behind, as the NI Executive moves forward with loosening lockdown measures and implementing recovery plans. The recent £4 million announced by the Minister of Finance for the Arts in Northern Ireland is to be welcomed but Government must work with the sector to ensure monies are used to save and support our sector.
Whilst signatories total 144, they represent only a fraction of the whole NI music community. We know there are thousands of bands, artists and industry professionals navigating an uncertain future post-COVID.
“I completely understand the health and safety of our citizens is the first priority and it always should be, but as the country starts to emerge from lockdown and settle into the rhythm of a new normal, there is a fear that musicians across Northern Ireland will be left behind, overlooked and forgotten. It will be a long time before musicians are able to safely get back into the recording studio with bandmates and longer still before they get out there playing live gigs to audiences so it’ll be a very long time before we can get back to “business as usual” within the music community.
Music has been a balm in these uncertain months, it has lifted our spirits through the darkest of times and it needs the protection and the financial assistance other industries are already receiving. I speak not on behalf of bands like Snow Patrol who have made a lot of money from music but for young bands starting out, and bands that work gig to gig to make ends meet. All their livelihoods have gone up in smoke for the foreseeable future and it could be well into next year before any kind of normality resumes in the live music scene.
NI music has flourished in peacetime into one of the most exciting music scenes in Europe but left unsupported we will certainly lose many bands and artists and the cultural life of Northern Ireland could face irrecoverable damage. We have been clear about our needs from Government and we have cautiously welcomed the recent announcement of £4 million for NI Arts; but moving forward we need to see clear action to save jobs, support communities, and shape a strong future for the musicians of tomorrow. We need to see our political leaders stand up for NI music. And we need to see it now.”
Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody
“The role of music and the arts will be crucial in the renewal of society as we slowly emerge from COVID-19 but we are in danger of not having a creative sector to come back to, if we do not get urgent support. As well as making a significant contribution to the economy and tourism, music along with our creative and cultural sectors brings people together, inspires and strengthens communities and greatly enhances mental health and wellbeing.
Music and performing arts in particular will be the last along with our venues to emerge. Artists and freelance creative workers are falling through the gaps and we are in danger of talented people simply giving up, which would be devastating for future generations.
Over the course of the last few months I have seen artists step up during the hardest of times for them personally to raise money and support others. From performing outside care homes, to delivering food packages to the most in need, to performing and fundraising for others while giving their music away online for free. This is the spirit of this sector, and we must ensure it survives.”
Charlotte Dryden, Chief Executive at the Oh Yeah Music Centre