about
The City of Music initiative was created to celebrate and further enhance our renowned culture of music.
The music industry is at the heart and soul of our culture, and makes a huge impact on our daily lives. In 2008, music created 20,193 jobs in the region, with $2.2 billion in sales and $840 million in earnings, and generated $148 million in tax revenues in King County.
A group of music advisors to the City of Seattle decided to cement this effort, capitalize on our history, and envision a better future. From now to 2020, we see untapped potential to enhance music as an economic, educational and recreational catalyst. Our goal is simple: to create action over the next 12 years that enhances the climate for our music industry, and to propel Seattle's leadership role in music throughout the nation and the world.
The vision is organized into three categories: City of Musicians, City of Live Music, and City of Music Business.
City of Musicians
In 2020 Seattle will provide music learning opportunities at national leadership levels for recreational, educational and professional development. Musicians around the country will recognize Seattle as a highly desirable place to live, create and perform.
Components include:
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K-12 Education and After School Programs: Music education programs will be provided by all public schools, as well as through neighborhood community centers and independent organizations.
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Higher Education: Local colleges will lead the nation in music education and performance.
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Professional Opportunities for Musicians: A professional development structure will be established to support musicians who want to make a living-wage career playing music in Seattle, including teaching and mentorship.
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Livability for Musicians: Musicians will have access to health care and will be able to afford to buy a home and raise a family in the city through a career in music.
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Creating Community Among Musicians: Fellow musicians of all genres will support one another and work together to advance their craft, their professional community and their role in the city.
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The Musician in All of Us: The people of Seattle will value music in everyday life and enjoy chances to expand personal involvement with music.
Live Music
In 2020 Seattle residents and visitors will have increased opportunities to experience the power and pleasure of live performance in a multitude of ways. Seattle will be acknowledged as a premier site for performers - both local and international. The variety and quality of performances encourages audiences to encounter music in a multiplicity of settings and styles.
Components include:
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Music Festivals for All: Seattle will encourage public celebration through a wide range of musical events throughout the City’s parks and neighborhoods.
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Audience Engagement and Support: Residents of all ages will have a range of opportunities to learn about, connect with, advocate for and support live music in Seattle.
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Facilities for Music: Seattle will be rich with well-managed concert venues of various sizes, supporting a wide variety of musical performances.
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Connecting our Communities with Live Music: Unconventional and publicly owned spaces will be utilized for live music performances and will encourage music as a means for community building.
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Connecting Tourists with Live Music: Seattle will be regarded worldwide as a destination for exceptional and diverse live music performances, which will be promoted via visitor centers and tourism communication.
Music Business
In 2020 Seattle will have expanded its role as a hub of music innovation, with both commercial and not-for-profit industry leaders having their homes in this thriving environment. Seattle’s music business reaches far beyond the City’s physical boundaries: radio and online broadcasts, recordings, film scores, soundtracks, etc., will be valued exports that are enjoyed locally, nationally and globally. This role in the economic and cultural prosperity of the City will be supported by an effective and sustainable local infrastructure.
Components include:
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Enhancing Business Development and Retention: The growth of Seattle’s music business sector is made a priority among city leaders and developers, and will be continually measured and enhanced through government incentives and support.
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Creating Job Opportunities: Initiatives will be developed across the public/private sector that create and retain music industry-related jobs and aggressively pursue new opportunities to promote business growth.
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Our Technology Sector Assets: Professional networks will exist among Seattle's information and communication technology sector to ensure music businesses are at the forefront of new technology economies.
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Business Investment and Mentoring: Successful business leaders will recognize and support the contribution of the music sector through investments in new entrepreneurial opportunities and music-related not-for-profit programs.
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Supporting the Sector: Seattle’s music industry will be valued and supported for its enhancement to the city's tax base and for fostering economic diversity. Educational and not-for-profit music will be valued for its important contribution to the continuity of this industry and for enhancing the quality of life in the community. Such endeavors will receive sustainable financial support from individuals, foundations, government and business.
Download PDF of City of Music Vision
