< Back to Blog
Baltic Ventures are delighted to be a delivery partner of a new five-year programme to ensure that Liverpool City Region is at the forefront of music innovation.
MusicFutures is a £6.75m programme which will be delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and will catalyse growth and innovation in Liverpool City Region’s music sector.
Led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), MusicFutures will establish the City Region as a music R&D “powerhouse and ecosystem”.
The project brings together more than 20 strategic partners from across the LCR, including the ACC Liverpool Group, operators of Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, convention centre and exhibition centre, Adlib, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council.
This partnership aims to harness collective strengths to promote economic sustainability while tackling environmental impact and inclusivity within the music industry. Through new funding for SMEs, tailored training for creators, and industry mentorship, MusicFutures will drive artistic, technological, and IP innovation, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in the global music scene.
The initiative will establish pathways for musicians, professionals, and businesses to connect with sectors like gaming, film, and extended reality (XR), fostering sustainable job creation and business growth across the broader creative economy.
“Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not,” said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. “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.”
Liverpool City region Mayor Steve Rotheram said MusicFutures will not only “elevate” the city’s cultural status, but will also unlock new opportunities for local talent, businesses and communities.
“The Liverpool City Region has a long and proud history as one of the world’s most iconic places for music,” he said. “From the Beatles to the vibrant live music scene that continues to thrive today, I’m proud that this new funding will continue to build on that legacy, ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of music innovation for years to come.”
Denise Harris, co-founder of Sum Vivas and a Baltic Ventures portfolio company, added: “Liverpool’s MusicFutures Creative Cluster will be transformative not only for our business at Sum Vivas, but also allow the city region’s wider network of creative industry talent to connect with global artists, brands and audiences.”
The Creative Cluster will enable the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University to deliver collaborative, industry-driven programs. MusicFutures will attract local and external investment while embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion into its core ecosystem. By addressing regional gaps in skills, training, and business development—particularly for underrepresented communities—it will support over 1,400 regional music businesses, fostering a fairer, more inclusive industry.
The MusicFutures clinic will act as a hub for legal and business support, tailored to small businesses, independent creators, and innovators without access to professional IP services. By tackling challenges like AI integration and uncovering new commercialization opportunities, the clinic will empower local talent to thrive.
