Gov urged to recognise club culture importance
The report, which also included contributions from the University of Central Lancashire and the University of Leeds, estimated the night-time economy contributes 1.6% of GDP, equating to £36.4bn, and 425,000 jobs across the country.
However, the report also stated the industries contribution to the UK economy “far exceeds” the revenue it generates, claiming dance music shapes the nation’s communities and cultures with clubs and festivals improving health, well-being, friendships and happiness for millions of people.
NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “Dance music and clubs drive culture to the heart of communities - from the lone teenager listening to beats on a laptop in a bedroom to groups of kids on an estate spitting lyrics and bars over an electro beat from the 1980s on a mobile phone, to the soul, jazz and funk instrumentals that underpin modern productions.
Movements of the future
“Electronic Dance music has inspired millions of people and given them a hunger to dig deeper into music heritage to find new sounds, a new rhythm to listen to, create and produce, reaching people from all walks of life, without prejudice or bias, crossing cultural boundaries and creating pathways for expression.
“Aided by this report, wider society will grow to recognise electronic music and club culture as one of the most important economic and cultural movements of the future."
This comes as recent reports found one in three nightclubs were at risk of closing in the coming months with the NTIA and AFEM concerned the UK faces losing its club network, calling them a “breeding ground” for the artists, DJs and entrepreneurs shaping “every corner of popular culture”.
AFEM CEO Silvia Montello said: “Those of us who live and breathe dance music have always known the incredible community value club and rave culture has brought to our lives and our global audiences.
Illuminating benefits
“It is great to see the collection of academic evidence of these benefits outlined clearly in a report, which can contribute towards a broader understanding of the importance of our music and scene to millions of people, alongside the clearly defined commercial and economic benefits."
Additionally, the group accused the Government of not recognising the importance of the late-night sector and of having a “limited knowledge” of its value outside of simple economics.
B:electronic global director Leigh Morgan said: “The contribution of electronic music to communities and the wider cultural landscape globally should not be underestimated.
“This report, by collecting together peer-reviewed academic research, showcases [its] impact on society across many different areas. The hope here is the report will illuminate cultural and economic benefits for both Governmental institutions and wider society to give this sector the respect and support it deserves.”
