The Music Cities Network and Center For Music Ecosystems last week formally launched a European Music Cities Policy Guide which offers "solutions, best practices and frameworks to incorporate music into the heart of local policy".
In producing the guide, its authors sought to answer the questions: "Can we better understand the economic, social and cultural value that music has in our towns, cities and places? And in doing so, can we argue for more investment - financial and political - in it, if we can demonstrate that investing in music benefits everyone’s quality of life?"
Based on a series of roundtable discussions involving representatives from cities across Europe and beyond, as well as various music industry groups and organisations, the guide is split into eight sections: equality, diversity and inclusion; climate action; jobs and skills; music education; tourism; music and the night-time economy; infrastructure; and impact and implementation.
The authors add: "In total, we have compiled 34 recommendations that each city can take to incorporate music more into city governance and, in doing so, make their place better for those who live, work and visit".
Commenting on the guide, which was launched at the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Music Cities Network MD Lena Ingwersen says: “This guide is the groundwork for all those involved in music policy, but also for all those who are not yet involved, to get inspired and to link city policy areas that have not been thought together before”.
“The eight chapters champion the undeniable positive effects of music on social, economic, cultural and ecological development. It’s time to spread the word and raise more awareness for the power of music as an integrated part of city development".
"Music can be an immensely powerful tool if we use it to help solve the most pressing challenges in our cities and places", adds Shain Shapiro, Executive Director at the Center For Music Ecosystems.
"How music can support climate action or welcome immigrants is just as important as how we can create a robust music industry that is fair and open to everyone. We believe cities hold the power to improving lives and we look forward working with the Music Cities Network, and our partners and cities, to using music to continue to make places happen".
You can access the guide below.
