The City of Wichita and a coalition of organizations, artists, and bands are asking participants in the local music industry to complete a survey by July 11. It’s designed by Sound Music Cities, an Austin-based company that has conducted similar research across the U.S., including in Lawrence, Kansas.

The survey is anonymous, and the full results will be released to the public later this year.

Organizers say the census will direct efforts to build the local music economy. “The data helps identify what is working, where support is most needed, and what opportunities exist,” according to a press release. 

The survey asks respondents to describe their music-related experiences, and it covers topics including compensation and professional development. It also touches on opinions about the Wichita-area scene: for example, respondents can rate whether they think it's more cooperative or competitive, homogenous or diverse, inclusive or not inclusive.

The census covers Sedgwick Butler, Harvey, and Sumner counties. It’s open to adult musicians, venue owners, engineers, educators, promoters, and others whose work — whether paid or unpaid — relates in some way to the music industry.

Learn more and take the survey at ictmusic.com. 

— Emily Christensen

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