Our Grassroots Venue Mission
Changing the world, One Venue At a Time
Oceanless have set out to save grassroots music venues, that are in danger of having to close their doors. As the UK music community is aware, independent venues at the grassroots of the music scene are under immense financial pressure due to social and economic factors. Many are unable to sustain adequate profit to keep their doors open.
Oceanless are starting by taking action with Niamos Arts and Culture Centre in Hulme. The venue unfortunately has some structural issues that limits the events that can take place.
As a grade-two listed building, so any efforts to preserve the building are restricted meaning a consultation with the Manchester City Council will have to be put in place.
MVT (Music Venue Trust) currently have a campaign running called ‘Own Our Venues’, where they are raising money for Venues to be able to purchase the property, and ensure that they are in the hands of people within the music community, rather than landlords - often with Littleton no interest in the wellbeing of the businesses.
We have several contacts from MVT and they are aware of the situation surrounding Niamos.
Will, George and James have decided to focus on Niamos due to its cultural significance in Hulme, and its rich history of events hosted at the impressive venue.
With a maximum capacity in the theatre room of 500, there lies a golden opportunity for us to host regular events, draw in a large crowd, and raise money to donate to Niamos.
The team at Niamos have told us that repairing the roof structure of the building is a task that will be a challenging process as an independent business with no external support.
​
A Brief History of Niamos -
Based on Niamos’ history the venue holds cultural significance to the wider music community. Previously known as The Playhouse Theatre.
In 1963, the venue hosted the first ever Beatles broadcast, under the ownership of the BBC.
The BBC ran the venue between 1956 and 1986.
The venue was then bought by Manchester City council and various other groups to become an Arts centre; 'The Nia Centre', and now 'Niamos'. Each chapter in the venue's life have ensured it is a special place, that to many holds cultural significance, in the local and wider community.