In 2024, the City of Memphis commissioned a Memphis Music Strategy Report from international consultancy Sound Diplomacy to explore how local government can better support the city’s vibrant music sector. During the transition between mayoral administrations, the Greater Memphis Chamber stepped in as the study’s in-kind supporter and operator. The final report, delivered in November 2024, outlined 25 actionable strategies (excluding those related to Mud Island) to strengthen Memphis’ music ecosystem.

To determine which strategies should be prioritized, the Office of Creative and Cultural Economy (OCCE) hosted a series of Recommendation Reading Rooms. These sessions brought together a diverse cross-section of Memphis’ music community—artists, producers, venue owners, educators, and more—to review the report’s findings, share their lived experiences, and vote on the strategies they felt would have the greatest impact.

Each of the three Reading Rooms focused on a different lens of the music economy: music creation, recorded music, and music ecosystem support. The following are the top three recommendations, as voted by participants, along with insights from the discussions that shaped them:

1. Create a Music Ecosystem Development Fund – 17% of votes
Participants consistently emphasized the need for community infrastructure—from physical spaces to culturally relevant programming—to support artists at every stage. A dedicated development fund would provide critical investment in the people, places, and programs that sustain Memphis’ music culture.

2. Provide or Sponsor Training and Networking Opportunities – 11% of votes
There was strong interest in professional development for music workers, especially emerging artists. Attendees called for workshops on contract negotiation, music distribution, and self-marketing—tools that empower artists to thrive creatively and financially. Networking opportunities were also seen as essential to building a more connected and collaborative music community.

3. Found an Annual Memphis Recording and Publishing Conference – 9% of votes
Participants saw value in creating a flagship event that brings together artists, producers, and industry professionals to share knowledge, build relationships, and elevate Memphis as a hub for music innovation. A recurring conference would also help spotlight local talent and attract national attention.

These community-driven priorities will guide the next phase of action for the Office of Creative and Cultural Economy and its ecosystem partners. Each recommendation is further detailed in the full Memphis Music Strategy Report [hyperlink: https://www.artsmemphis.org/sound-diplomacy].