City seeks feedback on how to enrich Victoria's music scene

The City is looking for input from local musicians, music businesses and music lovers on growing the music sector in Victoria.

The community is invited to share feedback on the city’s Music Strategy through an online survey by September 17.

There will also be an open house information session on September 11 at the Neighbourhood Hub (709 & 711 Douglas St.) from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

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 also have the chance to win a gift basket filled with music-themed items from local businesses.

The survey asks for public feedback on five priority areas, including removing regulatory barriers and creating music friendly policies, reserving 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 and seeking partnerships and collaborations for 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.”

The strategy and accompanying reports will go before Council in the fall for final adoption and implementation.