MusicFutures makes Liverpool City Region the UK’s Leading Hub for Music Innovation

MusicFutures is a major five-year project that will put the Liverpool City Region (LCR) at the forefront of global music innovation, research, and development. Backed by a £6.75 million investment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s CoSTAR programme, MusicFutures brings together academia, industry, local government, and the creative sector to explore how music can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Led jointly by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and the University of Liverpool, MusicFutures will focus on four key areas:

1. Music R&D and Innovation – supporting businesses with the development of new tools, techniques, products, services and experiences that enhance the music sector.
2. Skills and Talent – supporting artists and music professionals to thrive with new skills and talent development programmes.
3. Music Entrepreneurship – supporting business growth and building new models that allow creativity and careers to flourish.
4. Music Policy – shaping strategies to support sustainable, fair, and thriving music ecosystems.

The project is rooted in the Liverpool City Region’s rich musical heritage, but its ambitions are global. By combining world-class research with industry expertise, MusicFutures aims to generate new intellectual property (IP), foster innovation, and create opportunities that benefit artists, audiences, and businesses.

One of the project’s unique strengths is its collaborative approach. MusicFutures will work with local and national partners — from grassroots music venues to major industry players — to test ideas in real-world settings. This ensures that research doesn’t just stay in the lab, but translates into practical solutions that can be adopted across the sector.

Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music for Liverpool, said:

“MusicFutures is a game-changer for our region and the UK. It’s about bringing together brilliant minds and creative talent to solve the big challenges facing the music industry — from how we use technology, to how we make the sector more sustainable and inclusive. We’re incredibly proud that Liverpool City Region will be leading this work.”

While the MusicFutures website is in development, the LCR Music Board will share updates, opportunities, and event information via our own channels. This will include open calls for research and development projects, funding opportunities, and collaborations — ensuring the region’s music community can get involved from day one.

To stay updated, visit the Opportunities page on the LCR Music Board website or follow MusicFutures on social media.