City of Music Programs
Putting the City of Music Vision 2020 into action, City of Music programs have been developed by the Seattle Music Commission and produced in partnership with many local public, nonprofit, and independent organizations. These programs aim to provide support to the music industry and community in our city. Some of the key programs include:
City of Music Career Day:
This free, annual, one-day educational program, produced in partnership with the Office of Film + Music, Office of Arts & Culture, One Reel, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and The Vera Project and, in collaboration with Upstream Music Festival & Summit and KEXP since 2017, provides an educational opportunity for young people, ages 16-24, by giving them direct access to music industry professionals through networking, experiential learning, engaging workshops, and performance. Participants are exposed to a wide range of career opportunities in music, including performance, management, concert production, arts organizations, record label operations, retail, licensing, journalism, broadcasting, and more. Sign up to receive information about the event and program at City of Music Career Day. Watch this great video from Career Day 2015 to get a feel for what's offered during this annual program!
The Creative Advantage:
The Creative Advantage is a program to restore access to arts and music for all students in Seattle Public Schools by 2020. The Music Commission played a significant role in building a swell of support for the SPS Creative Advantage campaign. A partnership was formed in Dec. 2014 between the Arts Commission and the Music Commission in a joint Youth + Community Committee. The unexpected increase in Admissions Tax Revenues from local tourist attractions provided for a dedicated position in the Office of Arts and Culture who engages with the joint committee to develop and implement the five-year plan to fund music and arts education for every public school student. Critical to this effort is the emphasis on racial and socioeconomic equality in access to arts and music education. The partnership between the two Commissions represents a significant bridging of efforts that can help to achieve shared goals regarding music education in Seattle.
Musicians Priority Load Zones:
In 2014, Seattle implemented a low-cost, phased approach to make it easier for musician load-in and load-out at live music venues around the city. Five music venues were selected to pilot the program, and nearby load and unload zones were modified to prioritize musicians' use through branded signs. They include a yellow regulatory sign and City of MusicTM branded 'Priority Musicians Loading & Unloading' sign. Phase one serves the following five music venues: High Dive (Fremont), The Crocodile and Tula's (Belltown), The Triple Door (Downtown), and The Showbox (Pike Place Market). Plans are currently underway to implement additional Musicians Priority Load Zones in other areas of the city.
Sea-Tac Airport's 'Experience the City of Music' program:
This cooperative effort by the Port of Seattle, Seattle's Office of Film + Music, Seattle Music Commission, and PlayNetwork, showcases the Northwest region's diverse music culture and enhance the experience of millions of travelers who pass through the airport each year. The award-winning, comprehensive program immerses visitors in the region's rich music traditions and history with live performances seven days a week at locations throughout the terminal, overhead music exclusively by Northwest artists, videos featuring clips about Seattle's music scene and history on terminal and baggage claim monitors, and music-themed art exhibits curated by EMP Museum. More information, images, videos, and musical performance schedule available online at Experience the City of Music at Sea-Tac Airport.
Seattle Music Commission Community Outreach events:
The Seattle Music Commission (SMC) and Seattle Arts Commission (SAC) held the first joint "Meet the Commissions" mixer on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Rumba Notes Lounge in Columbia City. This event, the first in an ongoing series of outreach events that will take place throughout the year, was an opportunity for the community to meet and mingle with artists, musicians, and engaged community members from all facets of the music and arts industries. Attendees were encouraged to engage one-on-one with Commissioners, learn more about the work of the Commissions and the state of Seattle's music and arts scene, and discuss industry issues relevant to the community. Strengthening the connection between the Commissions and our diverse communities is integral to the growth and vitality of our creative communities. Visit the Office of Film + Music blog for images and a recap of the event.
The Seattle Music Commission is always seeking opportunities to engage with the community. If you have thoughts or concerns you'd like to share, please email SeattleMusicCommission@seattle.gov.