About

The commission builds upon Greater Manchester’s rich musical heritage and aims to secure its future as a leading global music region.

By providing support, fostering inclusivity and taking steps to improve infrastructure the Commission ensures that Greater Manchester remains an accessible and thriving hub for music professionals and audiences alike.

A crowded indoor concert or rave with people dancing under vibrant blue and green laser lights. The atmosphere is smoky, and bright beams of light cut across the dark venue. Some people have their hands raised, and industrial pillars are visible.

  • 2.9m

    Empowering a Vibrant Music Scene for 2.9 million People living Across Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester Economy Factbook

  • 70k

    Stream GM enabled Greater Manchester artists to reach an audience of 70,000 people across the globe

  • 10

    Empowering musicians, freelancers and businesses in 10 boroughs across Greater Manchester

  • GMCA Greater Manchester Combined Authority

In 2019, UK Music and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) published the Greater Manchester Music Review which included ten recommendations on how the city region could support and develop music in Greater Manchester. One of the recommendations was the formation of a Greater Manchester Music Commission.

Following the re-election of Andy Burnham as Mayor of Greater Manchester in May 2021, GMCA established the Commission, which meets four times a year. Andy Burnham is the political lead for the Greater Manchester Music Commission, with support from co-chairs.

The role of the Greater Manchester Music Commission is to support and promote music in Greater Manchester. Commissioners are asked to:

  • Identify opportunities to develop talent and audiences within the Greater Manchester music ecology, as well as its prominence, reputation, and success both nationally and internationally

  • Identify areas requiring intervention

  • Prioritise these opportunities and challenges within the context of the local financial/political/health landscape

  • Develop specific actions, interventions and programmes to present to GMCA

  • Provide oversight of StreamGM, the not-for-profit ethical streaming service designed to provide a global platform for GM talent

  • Investigate ways to promote music from Greater Manchester around the world, including investigation of the feasibility of a globally-significant music industry event in Greater Manchester.

The Greater Manchester Music Commission will report to the GMCA Culture and Heritage Steering Group which reports to GMCA, with representation from the steering group on the commission.

“Manchester has always been the beating heart of UK music. Our history is full of pioneers who did things differently, and who were often imitated but never bettered – but we’ve never been content to stand still and revel in the glories of the past. The job of the commissioners will be to represent the Greater Manchester music scene as it is now, championing creators and communities at every level. They will look at new ways of promoting music and developing new talent, and work with us to turn those ideas into action.”

– Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham

Latest news

Keep up to date with Greater Manchester Music Commission’s latest news and check stay tuned for updates on projects.

The Board

Greater Manchester Music Commission is made up of 27 experienced professionals from the music industry across Greater Manchester.