Want to help shape Melbourne’s musical future?

City of Melbourne Music Strategy -photo by Martin PhilbeyCommunity groups, industry experts and music lovers are being urged to have their say on the future of Melbourne’s music scene. The City of Melbourne is putting together its draft Music Strategy 2018-2021, with public submissions now being sought through Participate Melbourne.

Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Arts and Culture portfolio, Councillor Rohan Leppert, said the new strategy would help enrich and protect the city’s renowned music culture and enhance Melbourne’s status as a leading global music city. “Melbourne has long been known as the music capital of Australia with a range of legendary music venues and a vibrant and constantly evolving diverse music scene,” said Cr Leppert.

“Council recognises the important economic, cultural and social contribution which music makes to our city. This strategy will build on the great work of the 2014-17 Music Strategy and help us to further support and enhance the growth of Melbourne’s music scene for another four years. “I would urge anyone invested or interested in Melbourne’s musical future to have their say and help build a plan which supports the growth of our music city.”

An online survey has been developed, asking for input across four Key Focus Areas:

1. Innovation and Technology: Encourage connections between music and technology to provide more opportunities for the music industry to experiment, collaborate and reach new audiences.

2. Visitor Economy and International Profile: Promote Melbourne as a vibrant music destination and work with the industry to maximise opportunities to local musicians, audiences and music entrepreneurs.

3. Regulation, Urban Growth and Infrastructure: Protect and support the current diversity of music spaces in Melbourne and encourage access to new spaces, thinking creatively about where and when music can be performed throughout the city.

4. Industry Development and Diversity: Celebrate our diverse music community by linking musicians from diverse backgrounds with tools, technologies and mentors to help them create new music and reach audiences.

Results from the feedback will help inform the draft Melbourne Music Strategy 2018-2021. The survey will remain open until 12 November 2017. For more information, or to complete the survey, visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au for details.

Image: courtesy of Martin Philbey