2024 MEMPHIS MUSIC STRATEGY REPORT
As a convener and contributor to Memphis’ arts ecosystem, ARTSmemphis is pleased to share the culmination of a collaborative effort between Sound Diplomacy, Music Export Memphis, the Greater Memphis Chamber, and the City of Memphis surrounding the economic impact of the nonprofit and for-profit Memphis music industry.
As our Mayor Paul Young writes, “When it comes to music, Memphis is the OG. Let’s build a city culture that exalts that.”
In 2023, Sound Diplomacy was commissioned to work with key organizations and stakeholders across Memphis to deliver an extensive analysis and a comprehensive music strategy with actionable recommendations of what needs to happen now and in the future to strengthen, grow and protect the music ecosystem in Memphis.
The reports you'll find on this page are the result of more than a year of work and lay out a potential roadmap for continued forward momentum in Memphis' rich music industry.
Click below to download and read the Memphis Music Strategy report.
From Memphis Mayor Paul Young
“As you read this study, I hope that you will see the framework for our growing music strategy. We are grateful to everyone who completed surveys, attended public meetings, and participated in interviews over the past year. Your involvement enabled us to create this comprehensive blueprint for nurturing Memphis's music ecosystem. Your voices are valuable; you have been heard.
It is in Memphis' best interest to invest in music. And we believe that by investing in our music industry, we can leverage our legacy and harness the power of now. We are grateful to Sound Diplomacy for assisting us in recognizing the vital role of the music industry in our economic development strategy. We are pleased to join other cities such as San Francisco, Indianapolis, Northwest Arkansas, and New Orleans in taking a stand with a music strategy.
Sound Diplomacy's work represents ten months of roundtables, surveys, one-on-one interviews, and nearly 700 people engaged. Their findings are presented in the following pages and will help equip Memphis with a roadmap to evolve into an even more vibrant music city.”
As Memphis’ leading arts granting organization, 38% of ARTSmemphis grantees are music-based.
