Academics join new Liverpool City Region Music Board

University of Liverpool academics are among members of the new 25 strong Liverpool City Region (LCR) Music Board.

Head of the Department of Music, Professor Catherine Tackley and Mathew Flynn, who lectures on the music industry, have been invited by LCR Mayor, Steve Rotheram and City of Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson to join the newly formed organisation.

Professor Tackley said: “I am delighted to be part of this important and ambitious initiative which brings so many areas of Liverpool’s music sector together, formally, for the first time.

“I am particularly excited by the opportunity for the various strands of music education in the city, of which our Department of Music at the University is one, to come together in order to facilitate engagement, learning and progression for people in the city and region.”

Mathew Flynn said: “The formation of the board is another significant step toward both maximising the regions rich music heritage and continually supporting the ongoing development of our vibrant music scenes and the innovative businesses and individuals that make it happen.

“With a range of global music businesses headquartered here and live scene that means you can go to gigs 7 nights a week, this is brilliant city to study and get involved in the music industries.

“I’m privileged to be on the board and hope our representation will only deepen the existing links between the university and local music industry to the benefit of both our students and the progressive development of the sector.”

The LCR Music Board, made up of 18 members and seven observers from across the music industry – including well-known figures such as Andy McCluskey of OMD and Peter Hooton from The Farm – will give music businesses and communities in the LCR a stronger voice in local and regional decision making.

It is set to consider five key priorities identified through the recent ‘Developing a Liverpool City of Music Strategy’ report to sustain, support and develop the music sector across the Liverpool City Region.

These priorities include safeguarding and protecting music venues, the growth of current and future music heritage, as well as developing the Beatles’ legacy, increasing access to music education, and engaging and developing new talent.

The LCR Music Board will work closely with all the Liverpool City Region local authorities – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. It will build on the success of Liverpool’s status as UNESCO City of Music and the recommendations made in the music strategy report, and will begin an open conversation with the music sector.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the LCR, said: “I’d like to welcome everyone involved with our new Music Board, with their vast experience of the music industry, as they begin their work to co-ordinate efforts to safeguard and grow the Liverpool City Region’s music eco-system which is such a significant aspect of our culture and economy.

“Music is in our DNA and our city region’s musical reputation is known across the world. I’m looking forward to seeing the work of the new board as they work to ensure that we have the right environment to encourage new talent and build on that reputation in the future.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said: “This is a region that stands out in the UK when it comes to music.

“This board will bring together music sector aficionados to see how we can all work together to celebrate our enviable legacy, and at the same time enhance the industry, develop a clear understanding of what changes need to be made and introduce new ways of thinking. This way we can make sure the city region remains a key player in the music industry – nationally and internationally.”

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