Reflecting on OpenMusE at Linecheck Festival 2024: Mapping the Future of Live Music

On November Friday 22nd, OpenMusE took the stage at Linecheck Festival 2024, the main italian B2B international platform for the music sector, produced by the social enterprise MIH. OpenMusE presented its pioneering project, the European Live Music Census.

As part of a morning dedicated to music mapping methodologies and their evolution, the panel brought together leading experts to share insights on measuring and understanding the impact of live music across Europe.

The session, titled European Live Music Census (Presented by OpenMusE), featured an esteemed panel comprising Martin Cloonan (Director of Turku Institute for Advanced Studies (TIAS),University of Turku) , Roosa Tuukkanen (Co-coordinator of Helsinki Live Music Census, University of Turku), Isabella Tautscher (Researcher & consultant, Project Manager of SINUS Institute and OpenMusE), and James Rhys Edwards (Senior researcher & consultant, Project Director of SINUS Institute and OpenMusE). Together, they shed light on the methodology, findings, and potential applications of this groundbreaking project, which aims to strengthen live music ecosystems through data-driven solutions.

The European Live Music Census, part of the Horizon Europe-funded OpenMusE initiative, offers a unique snapshot of live music activity across Heidelberg and Mannheim (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Vilnius (Lithuania), and Lviv (Ukraine). Conducted over a 24-hour period, the Census combines comprehensive venue mapping with targeted flash surveys of audiences and venues.

By adapting the methodology from the 2017 UK Live Music Census, the project has developed a toolkit that is streamlined, cost-effective, and easily transferable, enabling even small teams to capture valuable data on live music’s economic, social, and cultural significance.

The discussion explored the challenges and opportunities of live music mapping, highlighting the importance of reliable data in advocating for the sector. Key takeaways included:

• Economic and Sociocultural Impact: The Census reveals the significant contributions of live music to local economies and communities, showcasing its value beyond entertainment.
• Audience and Venue Perspectives: Flash surveys offered insights into what drives live music attendance, the barriers audiences face, and the ongoing challenges venues encounter in sustaining their operations.
• Scalability and Accessibility: The Census toolkit’s open-source design ensures it can be adapted to different contexts, making it a valuable resource for cities of all sizes.

The panelists also shared their vision for the future of live music mapping, emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches to transform raw data into actionable strategies, whether through policymaking or innovative business models.

The audience at Linecheck responded with enthusiasm and a clear sensitivity to the topic. Attendees engaged actively with the panelists, asking thought-provoking questions and expressing interest in the potential applications of the Census findings. The lively discussion underscored a shared commitment to supporting live music as a vital cultural and economic resource.

The session concluded with a collaborative roundtable, The Shape of the Mapping to Come: How to Build More Efficient and Robust Music Ecosystems Monitoring, presented by Fondazione Cariplo. This discussion brought together diverse perspectives on how to evolve and refine music mapping methodologies, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness in shaping future policies and strategies. The synergy between OpenMusE’s presentation and the roundtable highlighted the critical role of collective effort in strengthening live music ecosystems across Europe.

The European Live Music Census t’s about empowering stakeholders to shape a sustainable and thriving live music sector. The morning’s discussions at Linecheck Festival 2024 showcased the power of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies. As OpenMusE continues its work, it invites policymakers, researchers, and live music stakeholders to join the conversation and help build a future where live music can truly thrive.