LAFAYETTE LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN MUSIC COMMUNITY: LAFAYETTE MUSIC CENSUS

Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG), Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), and Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission (LCVC) have launched the Lafayette Music Census, an intentional and community-driven initiative set to provide critical insights into the region's vibrant music ecosystem. The Census, administered by Sound Music Cities, a leading provider of music ecosystem studies, aims to capture comprehensive data that will guide future support and growth of Lafayette’s rich musical heritage.

Beginning in October 2024, the Lafayette Music Census will be open for three weeks, calling on all individuals working in the music industry—musicians, venue owners, music educators, producers, sound engineers, and administrative professionals—to participate. The Census seeks to gather key information about demographics, occupation types, and perspectives on a range of issues including economic opportunity, professional development, affordability, music-friendly regulations, funding support, culture, and belonging.

"Our cultural economy is what makes us stand out from other cities in the country, and it is our niche,” said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “This Census is a crucial step in understanding that niche, nurturing it, and protecting it for the next generation of music enthusiasts who will continue to see that Lafayette grows.”

The initiative's goals are twofold: to celebrate and elevate Lafayette’s musical talent and offerings while providing city leaders and the community with the data necessary to support the growth of this vital part of our cultural ecosystem. The Census will survey Lafayette Parish, including the cities of Lafayette, Carencro, Youngsville, Scott, Broussard, Duson, and Milton. Even if you live outside Lafayette Parish but are involved in the Lafayette music scene, your participation is encouraged and valuable.

Sound Music Cities, known for its expertise in music ecosystem studies, will administer the Census. The SMC team officially kicked off interviews with key stakeholders last week to gather information on Lafayette's musical landscape to develop the Lafayette Music Census. They are currently seeking additional community engagement partners to help spread the word when the census is ready for official distribution in just a few weeks.

"We are excited to have Lafayette on board as one of the first cities in our second music census cohort,” said Sound Music Cities Founder and President Don Pitts. “Lafayette’s culturally rich music scene not only adds tremendous value to our collective efforts, but it also provides a unique opportunity for the city to share best practices and learn from others. This collaboration will help sustain Lafayette's vibrant music ecosystem while contributing to the growth of music communities across the country."

The Census will be accessible online, and individuals can participate using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Completing the Census will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the respondent category. It will include questions specific to the realities of music workers, such as their demographics, occupation types, and perspectives on how to develop our music ecosystem, workforce development, how government and community can better support the music ecosystem, the livability of our community for music workers, and the culture and sense of belonging within our music community.

For more information about the Lafayette Music Census and how to participate, please visit https://lafayettemusiccensus.com/. 

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