'Music manifesto' seeks input from local musicians

Saturday 11 November 2023

A sector-led ‘music manifesto’ which hopes to represent the "unified voice of the music sector" is aiming to improve the island's offering – and local musicians are being invited to share their views.

The Government is facilitating the development of the manifesto, which will be rooted in the input from industry professionals and music enthusiasts who hold insider knowledge.

It is expected to be drafted by the end of the year and published in January 2024. 

It aims to advance the music sector by outlining strategies for its development – steering how the Government invests, supports and considers the value and contribution of music in the island.

An independent education and creative consultant from the UK has collected input from a range of musicians and stakeholders on improving and advancing the industry earlier this month.

Islanders can contribute to the creation of a Music Manifesto, which will set out the values, aims, principles and requirements for the development of Jersey’s music sector and community.

Find out more here: https://t.co/IZFnRLrtyi and by following @cipjersey pic.twitter.com/hMBDgCRCdz

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) October 30, 2023

Other islanders with professional or personal connections to music are also being invited to share their views by participating in the Creative Island Partnership (CIP), a Government-initiated forum aimed at collaboratively improving the creative sector. 

To join the CIP, individuals can visit the portal on gov.je and complete a two-minute form.

The Economic Development Minister, Kirsten Morel said: "I hope that all islanders who are involved in music either professionally or as a leisure pursuit will want to contribute to this manifesto.”

Pictured: Economic Development Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel.

Deputy Morel continued: “Getting involved now will enable people to contribute to a co-produced document, which will set the values and aims of the music community in partnership with all stakeholders.

"This will in turn inform Government actions and initiatives to develop and support the music sector.”

The Children’s Minister, Inna Gardiner added: “Music has many benefits for islanders of all ages, but we know that children especially benefit from having access to music. The benefits are not just academic but enrich their lives in many ways.

“We work closely with several organisations to provide music opportunities in schools: I would encourage any of these organisations to help us produce the Music Manifesto and ensure that we can continue to foster a love of music in future generations.”