Sam Fender has given the entirety of his £25k Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venues Trust, which operates to save the United Kingdom's small concert spaces.
Fender was awarded the cheque on 16 October as his latest record the album was declared the outstanding release of the previous year.
The musician has opted to give the cash to the Music Venues Trust, in recognition of the essential function local spots had in his early career.
"I personally would not have achieved this success if it wasn't for all the gigs I performed around the North East, and beyond, when I was starting out," said Sam Fender. "These locations are legendary, but they are struggling."
Beginning in 2023, at least 150 of these venues have shut down – approximately 16 percent of the entire UK sector.
Recently, well-known musicians including Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the trust in its attempts to help venues survive, by adding a small levy to their ticket costs, which supports independent venues.
Sam Fender also joined in, collecting over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to assist 38 small stages across Britain.
The money supported venues that were facing imminent closure due to difficulties arising from floods, blazes and personal losses, as well as licensing issues, legal disputes and neighbor objections.
Additional spaces were granted financial assistance in upgrading facilities and sound and lighting systems that positively impacted musicians and fans.
"The concept that revenue from concerts in large arenas backs the independent spots, where it kicks off for artists like me, is just common sense," Fender has said.
He is among several artists to give his Mercury Prize prize money to worthy causes.
Back when they received the award in 1996 for their album the album, vocalist the singer stated that the act would contribute their prize money to the non-profit War Child.
In 2002, artist the artist split her bounty between several charities, such as the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also contributed a £1,000 to the center, to their gymnastics program, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," the artist shared with the media.
Previously, Ezra Collective donated their prize money to the community center that nurtured their act, in addition to other local music groups.
Additionally 1994 winners the group contributed their prize to a MS organization after a acquaintance was identified with the condition.
"Receiving the award was quite enough," said artist Small. "The prize was the bonus but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the cake. So our victory impacted somebody else's life."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had protected two local spots in the South East, by transferring them to community ownership.
One venue in Southampton and The Croft in the city were acquired under the public acquisition program, which is supported by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who buy "stakes" in the properties.
