New UK Fund Launched to Support Touring Artists Amid Rising Costs

A new initiative has been unveiled to support UK-based artists struggling with the financial challenges of touring. The UK Artist Touring Fund aims to provide financial assistance to musicians performing at grassroots venues, helping them overcome rising costs that have made touring increasingly unaffordable.

The fund is a joint effort by the Musicians’ Union (MU), Music Managers Forum (MMF), and the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC). It is partially backed by the UK government’s LIVE Trust, a new voluntary scheme encouraging large-scale venues and festivals to apply a £1 ticket levy to support grassroots music.

Addressing the Cost of Touring Crisis

Recent research highlights the growing barriers for independent artists. A study by Ditto Music in January found that 84% of UK-based independent artists cannot afford to tour, with over 60% turning down opportunities purely due to financial constraints.

Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union, emphasized the urgency of the initiative:

“The past five years have been incredibly tough for musicians, with the impact of COVID and escalating touring costs both in the UK and abroad. We’re pleased to partner with the FAC to ensure clear and fair access to financial support—not just for artists, but also for the teams behind them.”

A Lifeline for Emerging Talent

The fund is open to solo artists, bands, and DJs, offering much-needed relief to those who often work at a financial loss in the early stages of their careers.

MMF CEO Annabella Coldrick highlighted the difficult decisions many artists face:

“Artists and their managers frequently self-fund loss-making tours in hopes of building a fanbase and securing a long-term career. Many are forced to limit the number of shows they play due to upfront costs.”

She added that the UK Artist Touring Fund will create a transparent and structured way for managers to apply for support, ensuring fair pay for artists and crew.With the initiative set to roll out in the coming months, it represents a crucial step in sustaining the UK’s live music ecosystem and ensuring that emerging artists can continue to reach audiences nationwide.