The City of Minneapolis’ Arts & Cultural Affairs Department will launch a city-wide music census on Friday, April 12. The Minneapolis Music Census is a first-of-its-kind effort to capture quantitative information to help City and community leaders make more informed, data-driven decisions about the local music economy. Arts and Cultural Affairs has partnered with public and private organizations on the census, which is being conducted by Texas-based Sound Music Cities.
The music census is an online survey that includes questions about demographics, workspace needs, health and wellness, housing history, and sentiments around diversity, equity and belonging. All adults who work in the music industry in Minneapolis can participate in the music census, which will be open through April 26. To complete the survey in English or Spanish, visit mplsartsandculture.org.
“Minneapolis musicians are world-class,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “So are our city’s venues, clubs, festivals, radio stations, and audiences. We want the world to know about the brilliance of our unique and diverse music scene, and the Minneapolis Music Census will help guide us there.”
The music census is open to professionals, semi-professionals, and students who work full-time or part-time in the music industry in any capacity, with or without compensation. Musicians, live performers, industry professionals, educators, venue owners, and support service providers are all invited to complete the survey. Respondents must be 18 years of age or older and living and/or working in Results will be available this summer.
"The Minneapolis music industry is one of the most important creative and economic drivers in the region. We recognize the critical role that data plays in shaping effective policies and initiatives," stated Ben Johnson, director of Arts and Cultural Affairs. "The Minneapolis Music Census represents a crucial step towards building a more vibrant and resilient music community that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of all its members."
"We encourage all eligible individuals within the Minneapolis music community to participate in the census," emphasized Shayna Melgaard, president of MNIVA. "Your insights are invaluable in shaping the future of our industry and ensuring its continued growth and vitality."
The results will be made available to music and live entertainment industry professionals, venues, nonprofit organizations, academia, and government agencies in the Minneapolis area. The data can be used to inform local strategies and ultimately elevate Minneapolis as a premier destination for music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
"The Minneapolis Music Census represents a landmark opportunity to harness the collective wisdom of the music community," said Don Pitts, founder, and president at Sound Music Cities, the organization that is administering the census. "By leveraging data-driven insights, we look to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that empowers all stakeholders within the music ecosystem."
About Sound Music Cities
Sounds Music Cities (SMC) is a Texas based provider of music ecosystem studies. The Music Census collects key data points to better understand music people and their economic activity within a specific geography. It provides a baseline for policymakers and the larger community to understand and take action. Sound Music Cities has worked with emerging and established music and entertainment cities to find practical strategies to grow their music economy. The Minneapolis Music Census represents a landmark initiative to empower and amplify the voices of the Minneapolis music community. Through collaborative efforts and data-driven insights, this initiative seeks to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant music ecosystem for all.