Finding a suitable and affordable local space to host regular music events has become increasingly difficult. What can be done?

Financial pressures have been mounting on all types of community spaces for ten years or more. The impact of COVID-19 exacerbated these pressures, perhaps hastening the closure of some (e.g., social clubs, churches). Local authorities and councils have also faced financial difficulties, leading to an increase in closures and the deterioration of spaces due to neglect.

Halls are also often run by volunteers, many of whom, worn out by the pandemic, have given up. Potential new regulations, such as those in the UK government’s draft Terrorism Bill, could be the last straw for many.

Because of these pressures, another cause of the crisis now needs to be addressed urgently: the lack of understanding—particularly among local policymakers—of the importance and value of community spaces. They are failing to make the connection between regeneration goals, improving residents’ health and well-being, and this crucial local infrastructure.

The #MakeSpaceForMusic campaign is a focal point for action, featuring steps that Making Music and music groups can take.

Hundreds of musicians who are about to lose their practice spaces at the Sound Museum, a massive rehearsal complex in Brighton, may have a temporary new home. But the unfolding saga has raised questions about whether the city could have done more to preserve a business that has provided a vital service to the Boston music scene for decades.

Following a quick review process, the local nonprofit The Record Co. plans to open a temporary rehearsal space in March, which Sound Museum tenants can apply to move into.

Tenants at the Sound Museum’s building at 155 North Beacon St. were notified in mid-December that they mustvacate by the end of January. Owned by Bill “Des” Desmond and his wife, Katherine Desmond, the location has provided rehearsal, storage, and recording space to musicians for more than 30 years. In 2021, the building was purchased by developer IQHQ, which plans to demolish it to make way for a life sciences campus.