Liverpool to be at the forefront of music innovation

The Liverpool City Region has been announced as a national “Creative Cluster” for the UK’s music sector.

Led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), MusicFutures will, over the next five years, establish the region as a music research and development (R&D) powerhouse and ecosystem.

The five-year, £6.75 million programme, delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will catalyse growth and innovation in the region’s music sector.

By focusing on driving R&D and innovation through emerging technologies as well as talent and business development, MusicFutures will supercharge a thriving music sector and future-proof Liverpool’s reputation as a global music city, ensuring its continued cultural and musical relevance on the world stage.

The programme is part of a wider aim to “remix the music sector” by embracing AI and VR to future-proof music tourism, recording and education.

Informed by industry needs and powered by partnerships, MusicFutures brings together over 20 strategic partners from across the Liverpool City Region—including the ACC Liverpool Group, operators of Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, convention centre and exhibition centre, Adlib, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council.

Working together, this partnership will leverage collective strengths to drive economic sustainability while addressing key challenges in environmental impact and inclusivity across the entire music industry value chain. 

The news follows the recent announcement that Liverpool has been appointed the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.

To celebrate that new status the city is pioneering a hat-trick of concerts this week that aims to revolutionise the carbon footprint of the live music sector.

By providing new funding opportunities for both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), bespoke training for music makers, and industry mentorship, MusicFutures will fuel artistic, technological, and IP breakthroughs that will diversify and strengthen the UK’s position at the forefront of the global music industry.

Ultimately, the new music cluster will create clear pathways for musicians, professionals and businesses within the music industry and the wider creative economy – into sectors like gaming, film, and extended reality (XR) – supporting the creation of sustainable, high-paying jobs and business growth.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. That’s why we are supporting firms, artists and freelancers that are innovating, using new technology and driving growth in creative clusters across the country. 

“Liverpool and Merseyside hold a special place in our nation’s music landscape, and this funding will support imagination and experimentation across the city and region, as creators explore how we can make gigs more environmentally friendly.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Music has always been a big part of our city and helped put us on the map worldwide. Now, we’re ready to take it to the next level.

“We have big plans to change the game for music in Liverpool. Making the city a Creative Cluster for the Music will ensure young talent and businesses grow, as well as make music more important for everyone in our city.

“We want to create high-paying jobs, boost music tourism, and lead the way in eco-friendly music. I’m delighted with the announcement and I’m looking forward to working with our partners and the government to make these projects a reality.”

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram. said: “The Liverpool City Region has a long and proud history as one of the world’s most iconic places for music.

“From the Beatles to the vibrant live music scene that continues to thrive today, I’m proud that this new funding will continue to build on that legacy, ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of music innovation for years to come.

“MusicFutures will not only elevate our cultural status on the global stage, it will also unlock new opportunities for local talent, businesses and communities – creating jobs, nurturing creativity and driving economic growth across the region.”

The Creative Cluster will enable the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University to deliver collaborative, industry demand-driven programmes. MusicFutures will foster commercial opportunities through local and external investment, while placing equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of its unique ecosystem.

By addressing regionally identified gaps in talent (skills and training) and management and business development, especially for persistently under-represented communities, it will empower over 1,400 regional music businesses to flourish and create a more fair and inclusive future industry.

The new MusicFutures clinic will serve as a hub for legal and business support, specifically designed to assist small businesses, independent creators, and innovators who lack access to professional IP services. By helping identify new opportunities for commercialisation and addressing challenges like an increasingly AI-driven landscape, the clinic aims to empower local talent.

Alongside the University of Liverpool and LJMU, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) will deliver skills and training through creating apprenticeships for the next generation of musicians.