More than 140 leading figures from Northern Ireland’s music sector have signed a letter calling for urgent and meaningful action NI’s political leaders, to support the music community.
The letter, signed by Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, Sir Van Morrison OBE, and Bronagh Gallagher to name a few, was sent to the Minster responsible for the Arts – Deirdre Hargey MLA – on 12 May 2020.
It is being released today with a plea from the music sector to not be left behind, as the NI Executive moves forward with loosening lockdown measures and implementing recovery plans. The letter follows the recent call from the Arts Collaboration Network (ACN) for a package of measures to help NI’s socially and economically important arts and culture sector to survive the pandemic.
Commenting on the release of the letter, Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody said, “As the country starts to emerge from lockdown and settle into the rhythm of a new normal, musicians across Northern Ireland are being left behind, overlooked and forgotten. Right now, the thought of being back in the recording studio with bandmates or out there playing live gigs to audiences is only a pipedream and it’s going to be a long time before we can get back to “business as usual”.
"We have been clear about our needs from Government and we need action – not talking shops – to save jobs, support communities, and shape a strong future for the musicians of tomorrow.
"We need to see our political leaders stand up for NI music. And we need to see it now.”
The full letter including full list of signatories can be viewed on the Third Bar Artist Development website at www.thirdbar.co.uk
