The City is looking for input from local musicians, music businesses and music lovers on the City’s draft Music Strategy, which outlines the role of music in Victoria, and a series of recommendations to grow the music sector.

 

The community is invited to share feedback on the Music Strategy’s recommendations through an online survey by Friday, September 17 at engage.victoria.ca/musicstrategy, and learn more about the strategy during an open house information session on Saturday, September 11 at the Neighbourhood Hub (709 & 711 Douglas St.) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 

The survey asks for public feedback on five priority areas:
• Removing regulatory barriers and creating music friendly policies.
• Preserving existing spaces and encouraging the development of new spaces.
• Building local capacity for artists to develop their music careers.
• Growing audiences and expanding access to music in all its forms.
• Seeking partnerships and collaborations to explore new innovative music platforms and experiences.

 

“These final engagement steps for our new Music Strategy will help build the city’s musical roadmap and allow the public to understand what the key priorities are,” said Kathryn Calder, Chair of the Victoria Music Advisory Committee. “Some of the actions include creating opportunities for the public to continue experiencing musical encounters, and prioritizing access and support for underrepresented communities to nurture talent and share culturally diverse music practices.”

 

During the open house, people will have the opportunity to talk with staff about the strategy, explore the strategies under consideration, and contribute their ideas and provide feedback.
Participants will have the chance to win a gift basket filled with music-themed items from local businesses.

 

In 2019, consulting firm Sound Diplomacy, the Victoria Music Advisory Committee and City staff developed the foundation of the strategy through mapping analysis, literature review, roundtable discussions with key local music industry groups, as well as broader public input through a survey.

 

The Victoria Music Strategy is a part of the Create Victoria Arts & Culture Master Plan adopted by City Council in December 2017.

 

Create Victoria aligns ideas, people, and resources around a shared vision to realize the city’s creative potential and guide the City’s annual $1.7 million investment in arts, culture and events. For more information on Create Victoria, visit: victoria.ca/create.

 

The strategy and accompanying reports will go before Council in the fall for final adoption and implementation. For more information about the Music Strategy, visit: victoria.ca/musicstrategy

 

Photo of Wes Carrol Confabulation at Pop-Up FernFest 2020. Photo by Phil.