From: Voluntary Arts England <info_at_vaengland_dot_org_dot_uk>

Date: 8 December 2006 13:28:44 GMT

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Encouraging signs for small music venues

More than 60 per cent of smaller venues have a licence to put on live music following the introduction of the new licensing laws, according to figures published today.   Creative Industries Minister Shaun Woodward said that the figures were encouraging and evidence that venues understood the new system.

A survey of  small venues to gauge whether they are taking advantage of the new rules brought in under the Licensing Act 2003  looked at 2,101 establishments, most with a capacity of fewer than 500 people (including pubs, restaurants and village halls) to ascertain how many have a licence to put on live music. It showed that:

• 63 per cent have either obtained a music licence (61 per cent) or put on live music via other means (2 per cent)  – compared to 60 per cent under the old laws

• a quarter (25 per cent) of premises now have a licence to put on music for the first time

• fewer than 2 per cent had their live music applications refused.

More www.culture.gov.uk

source: dcms

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Take it Away

area: South East

deadline: 31 January 2007

Arts Council England, South East is making it easier for people to buy their own musical instruments, by piloting a new interest free loan scheme called Take it Away. 

Based on the same principles as its successful sister scheme, Own Art, Take it Away offers people the opportunity to buy their own instrument with an interest free loan of between £100 - £2,000 and spread repayments over 10 months. 

Take it Away is being piloted in association with the Music Industries Association (MIA), which last year undertook a research project into music habits in the UK. Findings revealed that 21% of the UK population over five years of age play a musical instrument. The research also showed that some 15.5m people who do not currently play an instrument aspire to do so.

The pilot scheme is being launched through 10 music instrument retailers in the south east and runs from 31 July 2006 until 31 January 2007. All MIA members, these retailers have been chosen for offering high levels of customer care and service as well as instrument repair facilities. For a full list of retailers and more details, go to www.artscouncil.org.uk/takeitaway or phone 0845 300 6200.

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