By Mala Sharman, President, Georgia Music Partners
Georgia’s musical talent top the charts of virtually all genres and is one of our state’s biggest exports. Not just the big names like Usher, Summer Walker, and Zac Brown band but also songwriters, producers, and behind-the-scenes talent. In fact, according to 50 states of music, there are over 91,000 songwriters in Georgia. On the live music front, there are over 25,000 jobs generated from live music events and festivals(Oxford Economics).
There is an opportunity before us to not just take Georgia’s rich and diverse musical legacy for granted but to build on it. This is the focus of the Joint House and Senate Georgia Music Heritage Study Committee. The bi-partisan committee has held meetings in Macon, Athens, and Atlanta (virtually) to learn about the State of Music statewide.
Macon is a shining example of music strategy leading a city’s economic development. Macon Arts Alliance, in partnership with Visit Macon, City leaders, Mercer University, and music stakeholders, has collaborated on music branding and strategy, recognizing the importance of a strong music ecosystem on their education, economy, and quality of life.
To learn more about how your arts organization can join Georgia Music Partners, cities and local economic developers can advocate for policy to support music, email us at gmp@georgiamusicpartners.org.
The committee will issue a report based on the meetings next month. We’ll keep you updated on music legislation.
View past meetings:
Macon Meeting
Athens Meeting
Atlanta Meeting