From record-setting numbers to parking issues, coalition sets stage for road ahead
July 8th, 2024, Nashville, TN – The coalition behind the Greater Nashville Music Census announced a pair of initial insights from its record setting survey, while also laying out a timeline for the complete rollout of its data and findings.
4,265 people officially filled out the census, setting a new national record for participation, and claiming the throne from Austin, TX. But that wasn’t the only milestone set. Nashville also established new national benchmarks in over 8 other categories, including: percentage working in the music industry, average income earned from music, average annual events per venue, and total annual events.
“We’re proud Nashville is internationally known as Music City, and it’s exciting to have that pride reinforced so strongly with these initial numbers,” said Lauren Morales, Acme Feed & Seed owner and Broadway Entertainment Association board member. “We’re thrilled to dig deeper into the findings and discover where else Nashville’s music industry may be leading the way.”
At multiple points throughout the survey, participants also had the opportunity to weigh in and voice their personal experiences, thoughts, and ideas. An initial analysis of those comments showed the #1 concern across Nashville’s music community is the current state of parking costs and policies.
“From incredibly expensive private lots and garages to new street parking policies that actively work against musicians, venues, and fans, participants voiced their concerns loud and clear,” said Chris Cobb, Board President of the Music Venue Alliance Nashville. “Finding solutions to these parking issues may be the quickest path to not only addresses an affordability issue in Nashville, but also make downtown more friendly to both our music community and local fans.”
The full breadth of census insights will be published in early September at a public unveiling event. This will include a new data dashboard for the public to access, along with a full report, video, and infographics available on the census website. A roll out “tour” is set to follow throughout the fall, including a variety of community engagement sessions for interested stakeholders across the industry and region.
“We are currently swimming through this incredible amount of data and the multitude of stories that it is telling us,” said Kelly Walberg, VP of Communications for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “We want to honor the weight of this information, and make sure the community is involved and engaged in its rollout, so that together we can address some of the key insights and opportunities it will present moving forward.”
In the meantime, community members are encouraged to sign up on the census website to stay involved, receive updates, and host future community engagement sessions. Sign up at MusicCityCensus.com.
For press inquiries, interview requests, or additional questions, please contact Jamie Kent at jamie@backstagestrategies.com.
