Band on the Wall is delighted to announce that its Arts Council National Portfolio funding has been awarded in full. This is above and beyond its current funding and recognises both the organisation’s achievements since its reopening in 2009 and its ambitious and dynamic plans for the future.
Gavin Sharp, CEO, Band on the Wall : “This is wonderful news for Band on the Wall and confirmation that the hard work and ambitious vision of our business plan has been recognised in full. We plan to continue building Band on the Wall’s position as one of the UK’s foremost live music venue’s and as seed bed for developing new music in the UK. This funding also allows us to carry on building our pioneering online music initiatives, build our national music archive and ensure our exciting education programme continues into the future “
Band on the Wall has been one of the cornerstones of Manchester’s thriving music scene for the greater part of the last century and exists to bring the best music from around the world to Manchester. In addition to championing the finest world music, folk, blues and jazz, Band on The Wall was also at the centre of Manchester’s punk scene in the late 1970s where Buzzcocks, The Fall and Joy Division played some of their earliest concerts.
It has a global reputation for showcasing a vast array of accomplished and respected artists and musical genres from around the world and is recognised as a venue that promotes equality and diversity through music.
In addition to its work as a live music venue and music promotions company, Band on the Wall also hosts a variety of music education and participatory courses, including choir groups, improvisational jazz groups and a number of instrumental courses for all ages. In September 2009, Band on the Wall re-opened after a 5 year closure and £4m renovation programme and was awarded the Best Nightlife Spot prize at the 2010 Manchester Tourism Awards.
Band on the Wall is a registered charity run on a not-for-profit basis. It acknowledges the support of Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Manchester City Council.