Indy Chamber Kicks Off Music Strategy
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indy Chamber has launched the first phase of the Indy Music Strategy. The chamber says the economic development initiative, created in partnership with the city of Indianapolis, the Central Indiana Community Foundation, and Visit Indy, is focused on the city’s diverse and growing music industry. Jim Rawlinson, regulatory and permitting ombudsman for the Indy Chamber, says the first phase will focus on the creation of a music vision for the city, as well as an ecological impact assessment.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business Reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, Rawlinson said the ecological assessment will include a regulatory assessment for Indy.
"How do city ordinances or state laws impact the music economy in Indianapolis? I know that, for a long time, there’s been a dance hall permit in Indianapolis that’s been problematic for all ages venues and festivals," said Rawlinson. "So, what are the impacts of these? How can we adjust them and how do we make sure that we do that while at the same time, keeping artists and audiences safe."
The process for the Indy Music Strategy began in May when international music policy consulting firm Sound Diplomacy hosted its inaugural U.S. Music Cities Forum in Indianapolis. The chamber says Sound Diplomacy will begin building the regulatory assessment and meeting with key industry stakeholders this May and Phase I is expected to be complete by August.
Fundraising for Phases II and III are ongoing and the chamber says the work will provide the economic impact of the music industry, alongside a complete strategy and recommendations for moving forward. "There’s a lot of energy of things that are about to happen in Indianapolis and we think that going through this formal strategy process can help us grow that in a way that’s equitable and makes sense," Rawlinson said.