ABOUT
The Greater Owensboro Music Census is a community-led initiative organized to gain a better understanding of the current strengths, opportunities and needs of the Owensboro music community to cultivate the region’s ever-growing music community. A keystone of this initiative is conducting a Music Census that captures key information about our music economy to help the region, its cities, and community make better informed, data-driven decisions to support our music ecosystem moving forward. The census asks questions specific to the realities of music and live entertainment workers, creators, educators and industry including general information about their demographics and occupation types as well as their perspective on issues such as economic opportunity, professional development, affordability, music-friendly regulations, funding support, diversity, and belonging.
The Census will open in July 2025. During that time we are calling on anyone (18+) that identifies as being a part of the Greater Owensboro music ecosystem/industry/scene to participate. Please plan to share your voice!
This initiative is being led by the newly formed Greater Owensboro Music Commission. The Census is administered by Sound Music Cities, a civic-oriented and leading provider of music ecosystem studies and music census work.
"Owensboro is a deeply musical city, but too often we don't think of ourselves that way. As mayor and lifelong supporter of music and the arts, I want to see our creative economy thrive, but for that to happen, it's crucial to understand the human dimensions of our musical assets, so I encourage all those that consider themselves part of the Greater Owensboro music ecosystem to join in the effort around this music census survey.”
- Mayor Tom Watson
“Our Daviess County community has a rich and storied music history, adding to the culture of our region. The arts and music provide opportunities for education and cultural expression. They also contribute to the building and unification of our community in unique ways, especially when they touch our hearts strings. The Greater Owensboro Music Census will offer valuable information that will assist us in preserving, maintaining, and continuing to grow the cultural life in our community.”
- Daviess County Judge Executive Charlie Castlen
“Owensboro has a real chance to capitalize on the power of music tourism and create something that sets us apt. It’s a unique opportunity to build identity, drive visitors and energize our community. ”
- Mark Calitri, president, Visit Owensboro
“This isn’t just a survey, it’s a chance to build something together. Music connects every generation and every corner of our region. By listening to our community, we can create new opportunities and ensure Owensboro and its neighbors are placed firmly on the music map.”
-Candance Castlen Brake, President & CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
BECOME A Community PARTNER
Join us as a Community Engagement Partner and help conduct the most extensive survey of the Owensboro, KY music and live entertainment ecosystem in years! We’re asking you to share the Owensboro Music Census with your contacts in the local music and entertainment community, encourage participation, and help spread the word on social media. In return, you’ll ensure your community’s voice is represented in the results, get an early peek at the data before it’s published, and have your organization’s logo included on our list of engaged partners. Together, we can show the world that Owensboro is a dynamic music city full of incredible talent, culture, and diversity!
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FAQs
I AM A MUSIC FAN, SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?
Oddly no, even though your continued support and interest is probably the most important benefit that a music scene can hope for, this Census is aimed at people working in music in any capacity instead of fans. On behalf of all the tireless workers in music who create what you love, we appreciate and thank you. If you know of any people working in music, please encourage them to take the census so that we can
understand and streng then the music scene.
WHY IS THIS DATA BEING COLLECTED?
Music community leaders here in Owensboro and across the area have identified the importance of having measurable information about people who do music related work to provide them with better support. The results of this census will be made available to the many music industry professionals, nonprofits, and government agencies in our area, as well as to the countless music patrons and consumers who are the lifeblood of our music ecosystem.
WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS ARE BEING ASKED?
The census asks questions specific to the realities of music workers, including general information about their demographics and occupation types as well as their perspective on issues such as how to develop our music ecosystem, workforce development, how government and community can better support the music ecosystem, livability of our community for music workers, as well as the culture and belonging of
our music ecosystem.
I VALUE MY PRIVACY. WILL THE ANSWERS I PROVIDE REALLY REMAIN ANONYMOUS?
Yes. The census does not collect any personal identifiers or IP addresses. Any individual responses highlighted in the published results will beattributed as “Census Respondent.”
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FILL OUT THE CENSUS?
From 10-15 minutes, depending on your respondent category. (Creative, Venue/Presenter/Festival/Promoter, or Industry) and whether you type in lengthy comments. 13 minutes is the average time spent on the census.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CENSUS?
Those working in the Greater Owensboro music ecosystem in ANY capacity (paid or unpaid) who are 18 years or older and living in the Greater Owensboro Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which includes Daviess, Hancock and McLean Counties. If you work as part of the greater Owensboro music ecosystem, even if you live outside the counties listed, please take the Census.
I’M NOT SURE THAT I QUALIFY AS A PROFESSIONAL. SHOULD I STILL PARTICIPATE?
You should participate in the census if you contribute any type of music-related work, with or without compensation, and you believe your skills and commitment are worthy of acknowledgment and support. This includes part-time work, rarely paid work or volunteer work, and work that is more administrative than creative.
HOW DO I FILL OUT THE CENSUS IF I HAVE TWO DIFFERENT JOBS IN MUSIC, OR OWN TWO OR MORE MUSIC BUSINESSES?
To keep the data analysis manageable, we must limit the census to one entry per person, which means you must select one primary identity (creative, venue owner, or industry). That said, we know that most music people work in more than one area, so you will also have an opportunity within the census to provide info on work you do in other identity categories.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE CENSUS ON A DESKTOP COMPUTER?
No. You can use a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Note that if you wish to leave and finish your response later, you will need to use the same device.
WHEN WILL THE RESULTS BE RELEASED PUBLICLY?
Currently the plans are to release the data early in 2026 through a series of reports, online dashboards, and community events.