Music Venue Trust (MVT), the UK charity which represents hundreds of grassroots music venues, has announced a number of key appointments, with former freelance consultants taking on permanent roles.
The appointments are part of the Trust’s move to create a more resilient and sustainable service, to support the expanding membership of the Music Venues Alliance.
Rebecca Walker, who joined MVT in 2021 on a freelance contract to coordinate The National Lottery's Revive Live, has been appointed live projects coordinator. She will now report directly to chief executive officer Mark Davyd.
Jay Taylor and Sophie Asquith have assumed the positions of MVT Coordinators (England). Jay and Sophie both became freelance coordinators in April 2020 and worked to support venues in NW England and London respectively as part of a wider regional team until October 2021. Their roles have now become permanent and they will be the primary point of contact for MVT member venues. Both will report to Clara Cullen, Venue Support Manager, and will work with her and Beverley Whitrick, chief operating officer, to appoint and develop a team of coordinators across the UK.
Matthew Otridge has been announced as MVT’s lead coordinator on its groundbreaking new initiative #OwnOurVenues. Reporting to Mark Davyd, Matt has been working with MVT on a freelance basis since 2020, initially as a coordinator for SW England during the pandemic before helping develop the #OwnOurVenues community ownership project, which will help realise MVT's long-term goal to secure the future of grassroots music venues by taking them out of the commercial rental market.
Chris Sherrington, who previously held the freelance position of MVT coordinator for NE England has been appointed policy and strategy support officer. Having transitioned into a guidance role, updating the team and membership on legislation and policy during the pandemic, he will report to Mark Davyd while working closely with Clara Cullen and Beverley Whitrick.
Beverley Whitrick, chief operating officer of Music Venue Trust said: ‘These permanent appointments of amazing colleagues who have already proven themselves invaluable members of the grassroots music community during an incredibly challenging period for the sector will take MVT’s ability to innovate, advocate and coordinate to a new level. All five bring proven experience, skills, insight and passion to our team and we are delighted to welcome them on board.’
