Guest Blog: Local artist Ruby Nixon, leads the way in supporting Coventry venues
Herbert Art Gallery, Ruby Nixon Photography
‘Coventry Venues: A Year in the Live’ is a project run by myself, Ruby Nixon Photography, in collaboration with 12 of the city’s independent venues, centred around celebrating live music in the city in a way that looks to support them in a time where they are struggling more than ever. As a music photographer myself, I have experienced the hardships faced by the music industry through COVID-19, and hope to pave the way for a positive future for our local venues. I hope this project will bring some positivity to everyone amongst the tough times of lockdown, and bring the Coventry community together to help the venues that have given us so many amazing nights of music.
Milk Vintage Clothing, Ruby Nixon Photography
With this project, I am raising funds for local Coventry music venues by selling a limited edition 2021 Calendar consisting of my own photography of the venues, with 80% of profits going to those featured. Aside from raising money for the venues, I have been using the time during lockdown to bring the local creative community together and hope that the post-COVID future will see everyone supporting one another, allowing live music to thrive one more in the city.
The feeling of community in Coventry has always been strong, and one positive to take from this year is that is has seemed to have grown even stronger. Businesses supporting each other, and the phrase “Support Local” has been a staple in 2020 as we see so many small independents needing our help. Coventry is a creative hub and it is important for us to keep that alive in the city.
One of the local venues featured in the project, The Box at Fargo Village, said: “Our big hope for the independent venue community in Coventry is that we can come together to support one another not just through this crisis, but as a new culture in Coventry. With City of Culture coming up in 2021, there is so much talent to pull on and work with, and we would love to see more collaborations and shared experiences to create a really close-knit independent network across the city."
The words ring true for all venues featured, and so many musicians in the city that will have nowhere to perform if our local grassroots venues aren’t able to keep going. From festivals, to gigs and all of the amazing events the City of Culture 2021 has to offer next year, I really hope the community in Coventry will come together and put their support into local business. Every single sale notification makes me do a happy little jig and leaves me so excited to see who has purchased – so join the movement to support local!
Ziferblat, Ruby Nixon Photography
If you have ever enjoyed a night of music at a Coventry venue, please consider giving back to the places that make it possible. Together, we can keep live music alive in Coventry.
The calendar is £15 plus £1.99 P&P for buyers in the United Kingdom, 80% of all profits going to the featured local venues. Pre-order runs from now until 8th December, and can be ordered here: https://rubynixonphotography.bigcartel.com/product/coventry-venues-a-year-in-the-live-2021-calendar.
Be a part of the movement: #AYearInTheLive @rubynixonphotography