FAC launches artist friendly kitemark focusing on promoters
We are delighted to launch our first kitemark, a ‘fair trade’ symbol to be awarded to artist friendly organisations. The first edition “FAC Kitemark: Independent Promoters” focuses on the independent, live music promoter relationship with grassroots artists, and is being delivered in partnership with the Association of Independent Promoters (AIP).
Get the: FAC Kitemark: Independent Promoters
The FAC’s advisory BEAT Board (Breakthrough & Emerging Artists Together) have developed a set of criteria for independent promoters on how to work with artists. The promoter kitemark includes best practice regarding communication, remuneration, accessibility and hospitality, as well as creating an inclusive environment with a published zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and harassment.
The FAC are delighted to have partnered with the AIP in the delivery of the kitemark, ensuring that in future, all registering AIP members will also subscribe to the FAC kitemark criteria.
To mark the launch, jointly with AIP we are hosing an event delving into the inseparable, essential and vibrant relationship between artists and independent promoters. A panel of guests from across the two organisations’ networks will discuss best practice, industry challenges and what can be done to make independent live music scenes more inclusive and a safer, better space for all.
Of the project, John Rostron, CEO of Association of Independent Promoters says: “The artist-promoter relationship is central to the way that the music industry ecosystem works. It is this relationship that is at the heart of music's breeding ground, where artists learn their craft and build their fanbases. AIP has been proud to partner with the FAC on the development of this Kitemark standard. The more mutual understanding there is between independent artists and promoters, the better it is for the whole of our industry.”
BEAT Board member Lisbee Stainton, singer, songwriter and Head of Songwriting at BIMM says: “Touring as an independent artist can be lonely and difficult to navigate; the new kitemark will not only help to establish a baseline of expected good practice between artists and promoters, but also strengthen the UK’s live music grassroots community, encouraging us to hold one another accountable and improving everyone’s experience of doing the work they love.”
The BEAT Board is the FAC’s advisory Board of grassroots artist entrepreneurs. The BEAT work to shape the FAC agenda, feeding into the FAC Board of Directors, in order to ensure that the FAC represents the needs of breakthrough, early stage and independent artists. The BEAT Board is chaired by FAC Director, Roxanne de Bastion and is expanding into a nationwide network of artists across all genres. With regional BEAT members in Liverpool, Glasgow and Northern Ireland already in place the BEAT is growing, with more members to be announced shortly.
The BEAT Board is: Roxanne de Bastion (Chair), Charlie Deakin-Davies, Rosie Bans, Sarah Howells (Bryde), Miri Metz (MIRI), Jenny Bulcraig (Rookes), Lisbee Stainton, Sherika Sherard, Thom Morecroft, Bertie Scott, Rich Le Gate (Attitude Is Everything / CHILDCARE), Lauren Ray, Jack Gourlay, Jake Morley, PILLARS and Shannon Delores O’Neil (Sister Ghost).
On June 3rd, we invite you to join our launch event alongside AIP, in order to celebrate the launch of the kitemark: Stronger than yesterday: The artist-promoter relationship – Event Link & sign up.
A conversation between artists and independent promoters all about what constitutes best practice and how we can come back stronger, making the independent live scene more inclusive and accessible for all. Panelists include representatives from AIP, the BEAT Board and ambassadors of the FAC’s partnership with Attitude is Everything’s Next Stage initiative.