Words by Smiley Team
For those dreaming of making it big in the music industry, their chances just got a lot greater. This is thanks to a new lottery initiative, Music Lotto, which promises to give 50% of ticket proceeds to emerging artists and independent venues via its charity partners.
Tickets cost £1 and offer buyers a one in 50 chance of winning prizes, including holidays or cash. While not every ticket guarantees a cash prize, everyone gains the pleasure of knowing they are helping up-and-coming musicians and independent music venues.
The weekly, not-for-profit lottery offers ticketholders the chance to win £25,000. Half of the proceeds from tickets go towards cash prizes and the rest supports important areas of the music industry through grants.
Adrian Norman, the CEO of Music Lotto organising company Orean Music, explained to Positive News: “Grants can be applied for if an artist needs a new instrument, some studio time or budget for a music video.”
The vital initiative will support talented individuals and important community hubs that make up a struggling industry. With 40% of small music venues closing in the space of a decade, cities like London are losing a vital part of their culture. Meanwhile, the sector is losing talent from poorer households due to the financial precarity it most often entails.
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“Our team of experts will review applications and give grants away after each draw," explained Adrian. "The more tickets bought, the more we can support talent."
Following the lottery’s launch, the organisers hope to have positive impacts in the long-term, creating a supportive network for artists with additional benefits such as mentoring and support getting performances.
Those who sign up for weekly tickets before 25 June get the chance to win a £1000 Forest Holiday at a destination in the UK of their choice.
Users also have the option of buying a gift voucher for the music lovers among their loved ones to buy tickets.
Winning numbers are announced every Saturday.
GET INVOLVED: To support musicians and independent venues while getting the chance to win prizes, play in the Music Lotto.
DISCOVER: For more information about applying for Music Lotto grants, email [email protected].
