- We have been closed for nearly 7 months now but we’re still here!
- At the beginning of lock down we were up the creek without a paddle.
- Then Mark Davyd and the Music Venue Trust came riding over the hill!
- MVT gave the 700+ Grassroots Music Venues one voice and a seat at the table in negotiations with the Government, getting them to realise we are the R and D department of the huge music industry.
- MVT established the #SaveOurVenues Crowdfunder Campaign and held out hands as we collectively dipped our toes in the funding world for the first time. Huge hugs and thanks to all of you, our lovely Club 85 community, for your tremendous support and lovely comments.
- The Government announced the Cultural Recovery Fund.
- Mark and the MVT, knowing how most venues run on fumes at the best of times, persuaded the Government to create the Emergency Grassroots Music Fund especially for us.
- They then mentored and cajoled us through the tiresome and soul-destroying application process with webinars, templates, step by step guides, and a review service to help us get it right before submitting.
- GOOD NEWS! Club 85 managed to get a small grant from the EGMF.
- BAD NEWS! Club 85 did not qualify for the big Cultural Recovery Fund.
We’re still running on fumes, but we are still here! xx