Connecting the live music industry
Europe’s Grassroots Venues Unite
June16
A new initiative is taking shape in Europe’s underground music scene.
Quico Touw, Venue Director at Cinetol in Amsterdam, together with Trix in Antwerp, is building a European network for small live music venues — the intimate, independent rooms where emerging artists often play their first international shows.
These grassroots spaces have long been the backbone of Europe’s alternative culture, yet many operate in isolation.
VIP-News spoke to Touw who hopes to change that.
We understand you will be applying for EU funding, what will this be used for?
We aim to apply for EU funding next May to build a network of small venues (100–350 capacity) focused on emerging and niche artists. There are strong initiatives like Live Europe, but the truly grassroots layer is missing — the rooms where artists take their first European steps. Funding would support two goals: Better touring opportunities for new European artists and shared infrastructure and solidarity among grassroots venues
How many venues will be involved?
We’re building a founding group of 10–15 venues across Europe to submit a credible application. Interest is already coming in, and we’re presenting the idea at conferences to grow the network. We also hope to collaborate with other initiatives in Europe.
Is funding essential for small venues today?
Yes. Resilience isn’t enough anymore. Costs for buildings, equipment, energy and insurance have risen sharply, while venues want to keep tickets and drinks affordable.Funding allows venues to take artistic risks — booking unfamiliar European acts, supporting experimentation, and keeping subculture alive. Touw references his local project, Amsterdam Alternative, as proof that shared structures strengthen the scene.
What challenges do you face, and how will the network help?
Touring Europe is increasingly difficult for emerging artists without infrastructure or financial backing. A single show isn’t a tour — and that’s the problem. A network of like-minded venues can offer artists: A full tour, not just one gig, shared risk when booking unknown acts, shared knowledge in programming and audience development and a trusted brand that encourages audiences to discover new artists.
If your venue would like to join the new network, please contact Quico directly. His contact details can be found here
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