Since the Campaign to Save Brixton Academy Launched on Thursday 11th May the NTIA have confirmed that they have had an amazing response to the campaign with over 10,000 written representations submitted to Lambeth Council in support, on top of the 100,000 music fans which have signed the change.org petition to keep the Brixton Academy open.
Each of these written representations will go towards the licensing review hearing which will take place at a later date. It is important to continue pushing for more support with 48 hrs remaining until the deadline for submitting representations closes, at midnight on Monday 15th May.
Michael Kill CEO NTIA:
“The outcry from the music community has been extremely humbling, with over 10,000 responses in just a few days, this level of response really shows the emotional connection that this venue has with music fans across the UK and around the world.”
“I have had hundreds of conversations with people on this campaign journey, across all walks of life, journalists, bankers, nurses, builders, baristas …, some who have been to a show or planned to go to a show in the future or had shared an important life experience within it.”
“The Brixton Academy is a huge part of the social and cultural economy within London and the UK, and is without doubt one of the landmark performance spaces in the world.”
“The potential loss of this venue would be catastrophic for the industry. Most people who are engaged with this campaign are angered and shocked that this venue could be lost forever. We want to again, urge all involved to step forward and engage in productive and meaningful discussions, with an aim to resolve the current challenges and present a unified position on delivering the safe and effective management of this space in the future.”
George Fleming CEO Save Our Scene:
“Our worry is that if the council & government continues to undermine culture and close down venues, we could see the industry move further underground where there is not the same level of regulation or safety. All they have to do is look at what happened in the 90s.
“In this case, we are urging Lambeth Council to work with Brixton Academy on finding a constructive way to keep this sacred space open & safe for people to enjoy. It’s far too important for the local economy & our culture to close down and would set a precedent, which our sector can not afford.”
Stuart O’Brien Petition to Save Brixton Academy (Change.org) says:
“The response from the public and community has been phenomenal, it’s important we work together to save these important iconic spaces from closure and urge Lambeth and the Authorities to come together and find a solution to the current challenges, so we are able to keep this amazing space open.”
Gianluca Rizzo MD Brixton BID:
“Brixton Academy is one of the most iconic music venues in the UK and beyond. Whilst artists dream about performing in Brixton, our business community is proud to be home to such a venue. Not only is it one of our key cultural destinations, the Brixton Academy contributes positively to the local economy as well as opportunities for our community. We stand by the Brixton Academy”.
Make Representation to Lambeth Council for Brixton Academy: https://www.ntia.co.uk/save-brixton-academy/
Petition to Save Brixton Academy: https://www.change.org/p/save-brixton-academy-savebrixtonacademy
