Vision

A Music Centre for world, jazz, folk, traditional and chamber music – one that cares about live music, is tailored and affordable for the presentation of diverse music, is accessible to diverse artists and serves to attract both the general public and members of Vancouver’s culturally diverse communities to the incredible musical wealth of this city. Such a centre would provide a venue designed for the performance and enjoyment of music for use by existing and future music presenters. A dedicated music centre would provide a focal point for music and musicians in Vancouver and assist in the promotion of live music to residents and visitors alike.

Good acoustics, ambience and sightlines, staff trained and dedicated to working with musicians and presenters from different musical genres and cultures, engagement of audiences and communities, accessibility for local musicians and concert goers, affordability and sustainability, are some of the considerations for a music venue. Input from the music community and concert goers through surveys, interviews and focus groups will contribute to the development of a venue that will meet the demand for a place for the appreciation of diverse music by local and visiting musicians and composers.

Needs Assessment

Through an independent consultant, research by support staff and community consultation, this project seeks to achieve the following:

• Assessment of venues currently being used for the presentation of music in Vancouver;
• Assessment of needs for a music centre in Vancouver including such things as acoustics, design, audience capacity, stage size, seating, dressing and warm up rooms and their location, lighting, capacity for audio and video recording, box office, marketing and potential for revenue generating activity such as a café, bar or store;
• A coalition of diverse presenters, artists and community supporters for the development of a music centre leading to the development of a venue devoted to music;
• Research into successful music centres in Canada, the US and abroad.

Capacity

A new non-profit organization is being formed by a coalition of music presenters, artists and others involved in the presentation and promotion of culturally diverse music. Supported by a growing coalition and membership, this organization will help establish Vancouver’s first dedicated music centre.

Impact

A designated Music Centre would showcase Vancouver’s incredible diversity and wealth of music and provide Vancouver audiences with a venue designed for the listening and enjoyment of local, national and international music artists. It would also provide a better and more cost effective way of promoting Vancouver musical diversity to audiences and visitors alike. A music centre would enable musicians and artists from different genres and cultures to meet one another, exchange ideas and experiences and potentially to develop new musical collaborations and sounds.