CoSTAR National Lab's Grass Roots Music Venue Innovation call goes live

CoSTAR National Lab has launched an exciting new R&D competition offering a unique opportunity for creative companies to pilot new ways to connect artists, grass roots music venues and audiences in pursuit of a more equitable future for the UK’s live music sector.

They will be collaborating with UKRI-AHRC MusicFutures Creative Cluster, in Liverpool City Region with support from the Music Venue Trust, to provide outstanding technical facilities, research expertise and cash funding to develop exciting new ideas that support this crucial ecosystem for British artists.

Funding of up to £40,000 will be available for up to three projects, including one based in the Liverpool City Region, with access to cutting-edge facilities in CoSTAR National Lab’s Futures Studio in Egham and the MusicFutures facilities in Liverpool. It will be supported by a wide range of industry and research experts and the opportunity to showcase pilots in front of live audiences in grass roots venues across the UK in early 2026.

Find out more about the ‘Grass Roots Music Venue Innovation’ call and how to apply.