Dunedin City to give further consideration on draft Live Music Action Plan 2023

Looking to support a thriving, vibrant music scene in Dunedin, City Councillors have worked with Save Dunedin Live Music and wider music communities to draft the Ōtepoti Live Music Action Plan 2023 over the past two years.

The process has helped to identify key opportunities, strengths and challenges for live music in the city and generate a range of ideas and proposals in response.

Some ideas have already been actioned, such as a review of how the DCC manages noise complaints. Others, such as the proposed creation of new funding streams to support musicians, will require further consideration by the Council.

Staff have listened to feedback and drafted a plan to give effect to the community’s aspirations and create a thriving, vibrant music scene in the city.

The draft Ōtepoti Live Music Action Plan is based around four key themes:

1. Supporting artists, with the aim that local musicians have pathways to develop their practice, perform to audiences and build sustainable careers.

2. Supporting audiences and ensuring that Dunedin has a range of local live music experiences and opportunities.

3. Supporting the live music eco-system by assisting local venue owners, operators, promoters, event organisers, businesses, organisations and educators to deliver live music.

4. Supporting live music infrastructure, so that Dunedin has improved access to fit-for-purpose live music venues.

Each of the themes has proposed DCC-led actions attached to them, which Councillors will consider alongside the draft plan itself. It is intended that the implementation actions will be regularly reviewed and updated.

More information is included in the agenda report to the 12th September 2023 Community Services Committee, which is available at www.dunedin.govt.nz/council/council-meetings/agendas-and-minutes

Image. Credit: Save Dunedin Live Music