Vision
- Huntsville has a unique, diverse and vibrant music scene.
- The Huntsville music scene is a significant contributor to the local economy and employs people throughout the region.
- Music tourism is a large draw for Huntsville, to both major and local venues.
About
Economic Development and Quality of Life are inextricably intertwined. High-quality industry and growth are often attracted by a city that has a lot to offer in terms of culture and lifestyle. But a deep cultural reservoir is often generated with the help of new development. Investments in parks and greenways and the arts, among many other amenities, have helped bring new investment to Huntsville, which has in turn been able to support and grow more quality-of-life attractions.
This relationship is no different for the music industry. Already home to a bustling local music scene, the City has sought to expand on and nurture that scene, growing it into a greater regional presence with a broader economic footprint. In 2018, the City engaged Sound Diplomacy, an international music planning and consulting agency, to study the existing music network in Huntsville, and suggest policies and actions that could help the local music industry reach a greater potential. In 2019, Sound Diplomacy completed its “Music Audit” and released a detailed assessment and list of recommendations. The City Council adopted these as Policy in September of 2019, and the BIG Picture is looking to advance those recommendations over the coming months and years.
Actions
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Appoint and convene a Music Board, made up of a diverse roster of local music industry professionals, to guide the implementation of the Music Audit
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Plan for the development of a signature amphitheater.
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Under the guidance of the Music Board, establish a Huntsville Music Office, which would oversee the following:
-Hold two Open Forums per year for the music community
-Introduce an Administration Manager
-Build and maintain a digital database of the local music ecosystem
-Set up bi-monthly meetings with other city departments
-Appoint Music officer(s) within two years, with guidance from the Music Board
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Streamline permits and licenses required for music activity
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Review Zoning practices, with an eye on the following:
-Expand Entertainment District Parameters with a Creative District
-Consider zoning to support music venues out of main entertainment areas
-Extend night-time transport in key entertainment areas
-Create a business classification for culture
-Assess the implementation of ‘Agent of Change’
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Reinforce local Music Education efforts, including:
-Strengthen the private music education system via City partnerships
-Utilize Magnet Program resources to expand music education
-Encourage a musical instrument lease system via a local partner
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Create a unique Music City brand
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Restart an old event
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Create a local events calendar
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Promote local music amongst visitors, young professionals, locals
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Develop periodic networking events
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Use industry grants and internships to promote youth employment
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Set up a ‘Fair Play’ certificate for venues
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Create a Huntsville Music Month
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Become a part of the Americana Music Triangle
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Connect with Muscle Shoals and Chattanooga via “Music River Trail”
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Create a Live Music Passport
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Promote youth-organised concerts in community spaces/churches
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Encourage corporate entities to promote music internally
Last modified: July 27th, 2022 at 3:50 pm
