The UK government has announced the launch of a new creative industry cluster in Liverpool to support innovation and emerging talent in the city.
The announcement comes as ICMP expands into the North of England with campuses now opening their doors to students in Liverpool and Leeds.
According to the government, there will be two new clusters - MusicFutures in Liverpool and CreaTech in Birmingham. Both will aim to provide funding and training for musicians, educators and small businesses in each region.
Jenny Marzano, ICMP’s Chief Operating Officer, said:
It’s an exciting time for aspiring music industry and creative professionals in Liverpool with this new investment and focus from the UK government.”
“Our new presence in the city via our Liverpool campus and courses will align with this initiative and help give the next generation of talent more opportunities and support to fulfill their ambitions in music and beyond.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. That’s why we are supporting firms, artists and freelancers that are innovating, using new technology and driving growth in creative clusters across the country.”
Liverpool and Merseyside hold a special place in our nation’s music landscape, and this funding will support imagination and experimentation across the city and region, as creators explore how we can make gigs more environmentally friendly.”
The £13.5m investment in the two new clusters is delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
It is part of a commitment in principle of at least £50m in a new round of creative industries clusters.