Promoting Pop: A Guide for Regional Development

Cloonan, M. (2009) Promoting Pop: A Guide for Regional Development. Technical Report. PASCAL Observatory, Melbourne.

Abstract

This PASCAL report is a guide for local/regional policy makers and other interested parties in the implementation of popular music policies.1 Based on a review literature and examples of previous initiatives, it is intended to provide policy makers with a series of options. In an era often seen as being dominated by the effects of economic and globalisation, it is posited on the premise that local solutions to local problems are both possible and desirable and that local policies can make an important difference (Street 1997: 102). Anglo-American popular music may be at the forefront of processes of globalisation, but local “scenes” remain the lifeblood of this artform and are also places where governmental actions can produce the most important effects.<p></p> It should be noted that the literature review suggests that local popular music policies are not something which should be undertaken lightly. The popular music industries are frequently referred to as some of the most difficult amongst the cultural/creative industries to deal with (Cohen 2007: 150). Nevertheless, local authorities are inevitably drawn into processes of popular music policy making, even if this is simply at the level of providing statutory music education and overseeing the regulation of local venues and planning developments around these venues. Thus there is an inevitability about local authorities getting involved in popular music policy making - even if only via legal obligations. This report is concerned with an examination of what follow once a decision is made to become more directly involved. It falls into four parts. Part One examines developments in the creative industries in recent years and some the characteristics of those industries. The second part examines the nature of popular music and its attendant industries. Further contextualisation is provided in Part Three which charts developments in local popular music policy in the UK. Part Four presents a range of options for local authority involvement in popular music initiatives.<p></p>

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Technical Report)
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cloonan, Professor Martin
• Authors: Cloonan, M.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Music
• Publisher: PASCAL Observatory