Local Sounds, National Strategy: Aligning Place-Based Practice with Sector Development

Wednesday 8 October | 4pm-6pm | Online via Zoom

About the Session:

How can music strengthen identity, foster civic pride and build sustainable local communities? This panel explores the unique ecosystems of Scotland’s rural and grassroots music scenes. Spaces often rich in cultural value, but stretched thin by infrastructure challenges, uneven investment and policy that favours centralised growth.

Amid ongoing debates about the distribution of education and opportunities, this session asks whether Scotland’s music industry is overlooking meaningful investment in regional development and grassroots, community-driven initiatives.

From rural transport barriers to the strain placed on leanly-resourced community organisations, we’ll examine how local ecosystems can be better supported. What should we be championing and what should we be challenging in current approaches, and how do we work together to embed music meaningfully across Scotland?

This conversation considers the value of “local” in both rural and urban contexts; recognising the nuances of place, identity and geography in shaping cultural life. How can we retain talent in communities and develop careers that allow people to stay, grow and contribute to where they’re from? 

With a focus on collaboration, equity and imagination, this panel brings together voices working to centre local music as a vital part of Scotland’s cultural infrastructure.

Registration

This session is free to attend for SMIA members.

To access the registration link, you’ll need to be logged in to your SMIA account.

Not a member yet? SMIA membership is free and open to anyone working in, or aspiring to work in, Scotland’s music industry. Join today to access the Digital Summit and year-round opportunities, resources and events.