Music Policy Forum: Music Cities Together: Live

On April 3, 2020, I had the chance to be part of the Music Cities Together panel, an initiative by the Music Policy Forum aimed at tackling the urgent need for robust music policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This virtual conference attracted experts like Mark Davyd from the UK's Music Venue Trust and Don Pitts and Michael Bracy from the Music Policy Forum in the US. We delved into how essential music is within urban frameworks, especially in crisis times. Mark Davyd opened the discussion with insights into the Music Venue Trust's efforts, pointing out the crucial role of grassroots venues in the live music ecosystem and the gap between current government support and the cultural sector's needs. I then shared the Canadian viewpoint, discussing the structure of our music ecosystem and the challenge of aligning government assistance with the cultural sector's distinct demands, advocating for a comprehensive policy approach to ensure the live music scene's vitality and sustainability. The panel served as a vital forum for exchanging ideas, highlighting music's indispensable role in urban life and the necessity for precise policy measures to support the cultural sector during and after the pandemic.