Sam Fender has donated the complete sum of his £25k Mercury Prize prize money to the trust for venues, which functions to save the United Kingdom's independent live music spots.
The star was given the cheque on mid-October as his new release the album was named the top album of the last 12 months.
He has decided to donate the funds to the trust, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues fulfilled in his initial steps.
"I personally would not have achieved what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the performances I played around the area, and beyond, when I was just getting going," stated the artist. "These spaces are legendary, but they are struggling."
Beginning in 2023, at least 150 of these venues have ceased operations – roughly 16% of the entire UK sector.
In the last year, major artists such as Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all aided the Music Venues Trust in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by applying a modest fee to their ticket costs, which goes to help local stages.
Fender also took part, raising in excess of £100,000 on his live tour to assist numerous small stages across Britain.
The money helped spaces that were facing potential shutdown due to difficulties caused by flooding, fires and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and sound issues.
Other venues received financial assistance in improving infrastructure and gear that directly benefitted performers and audiences.
"The concept that revenue from performances in big venues backs the local stages, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just sensible," Fender has stated.
The musician is among several artists to donate his award winnings to good deeds.
In the band won the award in 1996 for their album the album, frontman the singer stated that the band would donate their prize money to the organization the charity.
In 2002, artist Ms Dynamite split her award among a few charities, like the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also donated a grand to my local community centre, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they required updated gear," the artist told the media.
Previously, Ezra Collective donated their winnings to the community center that supported their group, in addition to other independent music bodies.
Additionally the 1994 recipients they contributed their prize to a MS organization after a close contact was diagnosed the condition.
"Receiving the award was quite enough," remarked vocalist Small. "The money was the bonus but we didn't need the bonus, because we had the honor. So our success impacted another person's life."
Recently, the Music Venues Trust announced it had rescued two local spots in the South East, by placing them under community ownership.
The first in Southampton and The Croft in that location were purchased under the community ownership program, which is funded by a national body and supporters who acquire "shares" in the properties.
