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The Culture Secretary has praised Ipswich's music ecosystem as a potential blueprint for towns across the UK. Lisa Nandy told MPs the success of homegrown talent like Ed Sheeran shows how local venues can nurture future stars.
The big picture: Culture ministers are exploring ways to support small music venues across the country, with Ipswich's approach to developing musical talent – led in the most part by Brighten the Corners – being highlighted as an exemplar.
What they're saying: "Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and we're determined that that is going to change," Nandy told the Commons.
She described Ipswich as having "an entire ecosystem through from equipping young people with those skills and that love of music at school, all the way through to being able to perform at smaller live music venues, larger live music venues and get the skills that they need to work in the music industry."
Local reaction: Joe Bailey, chief executive of Brighten The Corners, which runs three permanent music venues in Ipswich, welcomed the recognition but urged caution:
There's still a long way to go for support to our industry, especially with venues like The Moon in Cardiff shutting last month. However, having the grassroots scene discussed and understood at the top level is encouraging.
What's next: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is drafting a 10-point plan for the music industry, which Nandy said would "probably be about 100 points" once finished.
Ministers are considering requiring large arenas to financially support smaller venues. Sir Chris Bryant warned his department is prepared to "go statutory" and set up a mandatory levy if larger venues don't volunteer support.
The bottom line: While Ipswich's music scene is being celebrated as a success story, the government is considering stronger measures to ensure smaller venues across the country receive the support they need to survive and nurture the next generation of British musical talent.
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