In 2026, London’s prestigious V&A Museum will host a “groundbreaking” new exhibition examining the culture and vital role of grassroots and independent music spaces across the UK, “from sweaty basement gigs to legendary nightclubs.” 

A recent report by Music Venue Trust, published in January, found that grassroots music venues in the UK closed at a rate of one venue every two weeks, citing fears of an imminent collapse in touring.

As part of the exhibition, the curatorial team has issued an open invitation to the public to submit any artifacts that “capture the essence of these spaces,” adding:

“Flyers, set lists, posters, club signage, flooring, equipment, DJ decks, photographs, film footage, microphone scuffs, iconic designs, stage-worn clothing. If it tells the story of a venue, a movement, a moment between 1988 and 2025, we want to see it.”

If you have something you’d like to submit, the curatorial team are contactable at musicvenues@vam.ac.uk. The closing date for submissions is 31 May.