Volunteer it Yourself (VIY) and Allianz Music Insurance have formed a partnership to refurbish two of the UK’s most iconic and long-standing music venues.
VIY, an organisation which places 14-24-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training, have committed fifty volunteers to assist with the renovation of Dublin Castle (London) and The Boileroom (Guildford).
Dublin Castle and The Boileroom were identified by the Music Venues Trust as worthy, iconic and sustainable venues that needed the support of workers provided by VIY and Allianz Music Insurance.
The Dublin Castle has helped put British bands onto the World stage for many years. The venue gives acts the opportunity to perform on a stage in front of a live audience for the very first time. Bands which have performed there in their youth have included Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, Blur, Madness, Arctic Monkeys and The Darkness.
The Boileroom is Guildford’s foremost community music, cultural and arts space. It is an award-winning venue and has played host to performers such as Ed Sheeran, Foals, The Bronx, First Aid Kit and Lee Scratch Perry.
VIY will work with their volunteers and assist with teaching and developing their vocational skills with the aim of enhancing their future employability. Mentored by professional tradespeople the individuals can gain the skills and confidence to work towards entry level City & Guilds trade accreditations and apprenticeships.
Tools, materials, paints and mentors will be sourced from additional supporting brands to ensure that both projects can deliver the absolute maximum results.
The partnership between VIY and Allianz Music Insurance was put together by marketing agency Reg&Co.
Stu Richmond of Reg&Co. commented,
“After a turbulent 18 months, no industry has been hit harder than that of music and events. We are therefore delighted to partner VIY with Allianz Music Insurance and provide their volunteers to work on these two iconic music venues ensuring their future for many years to come.
The work they will undertake includes creating gender neutral toilets, improving accessibility, refurbishing the stages, bars, seating areas and general redecoration and maintenance.”
Sarah Kirkham of Allianz Music Insurance added,
“We are delighted to be able to partner with VIY on these two exciting projects. Putting on live gigs is expensive and the overhead costs often mean that there is often little funding to pay for the maintenance and the upkeep of these types of venue. As the UK events industry begins to get back to a state of relative normality, I look forward to visiting both venues in the near future to enjoy live music and admire the handywork of the team at VIY.”
