New Fund Launched to Bolster UK Live Comedy Scene

A significant new fund, 'Stand Up And Give', has been launched by the Live Comedy Association (LCA) to provide crucial support for the UK's grassroots live comedy sector. The initiative aims to raise £50,000 by Christmas to aid comedians, promoters, festivals, and venues, offering training, development, and support for mental health projects.

Key Takeaways

• A new fund, 'Stand Up And Give', has been established by the Live Comedy Association (LCA).

• The fund aims to raise £50,000 initially to support various aspects of the live comedy sector.

• It seeks to provide training, development opportunities, and support for mental health initiatives.

• The LCA is also advocating for live comedy to be officially recognised as a distinct art form by the government.

• Parliamentary committees have echoed calls for greater recognition and funding for the live comedy industry.

The 'Stand Up And Give' Initiative

The 'Stand Up And Give' campaign is designed as an umbrella initiative to channel funds directly back into the live comedy ecosystem. Beyond immediate financial support, the fund will also contribute to lobbying efforts aimed at securing government recognition and support for the sector. Organisers are encouraging donations through a dedicated crowdfunder page.

The Live Comedy Association's Mission

The LCA, a Community Interest Company established during the pandemic, has been actively working to elevate the profile of live comedy. Since early 2023, under new directorship, the organisation has focused on gaining government recognition for live comedy as a vital part of the UK's cultural landscape. They have conducted sector surveys, published reports, and engaged with parliamentary committees, highlighting the industry's estimated annual economic impact of over £1 billion.

Parliamentary Support and Recognition

Members of Parliament have increasingly recognised the importance of live comedy. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has called for live comedy to be formally acknowledged as a distinct art form, arguing that this recognition is essential for accessing funding streams available to other creative industries, such as those provided by Arts Council England. The committee has also highlighted the need for better support for the comedy workforce and greater accessibility to live comedy events.

Broader Industry Challenges

A recent BBC report underscored the substantial cultural and economic value of the UK comedy industry, while also warning of significant challenges. These include pressure on public service broadcaster commissioning budgets, high inflation, and difficulties in securing third-party funding. The report advocates for strategic investment from both the industry and the government to safeguard the future of British comedy, emphasizing the critical role of Public Service Broadcasters in talent development.

Sources

• Major Fund Launched To Support UK Live Comedy, Beyond The Joke.

• Stand Up And Give fund launched to support grassroots live comedy, British Comedy Guide.

• MPs call for live comedy to be recognised as distinct art form to open up funding access - Committees, UK Parliament.

• BBC report into value of UK comedy industry calls for urgent action from both industry and the Government toprotect jewel in the UK’s cultural crown, BBC.