The Greater Columbus Music Census Results are Here

After months of organizing and analyzing the data collected in November/December 2023, we are excited to share the Summary Report and interactive digital dashboard with you.

Both the report and dashboard provide deep insights into the data, arranged into 10 key indicator areas. Take some time to look through the visual graphics, findings, and opportunities featured across these two platforms.

Also, as a reminder, we are one of 15 cities/regions that conducted a similar music census over the past year as part of the Sound Music Cities music census cohort. We look forward to sharing some of the insights gained through their research later this year with the hope that we can continue to identify new, best practices for supporting our music community.

View the Full Report Online

Download the Full Report

Interact with the Dashboard

Number of Census Participants

Music Creatives

Industry

Venue/Presenter

Community Partners

Artist Ambassadors

What does the local music community say?

We asked, and you responded!

The resulting census data tells a story of our music community – the people, the economics, the successes, and the opportunities for improvement. Thank you for sharing your time and feedback with us.

This presentation deck summarizes the initial findings. The deck was presented to census partners on July 16th and 18th.

“Columbus is a music city worth building to its full potential. We have continued to produce great artists of all mediums, but especially in music.”

“Columbus is a great city to gig but lacks in music industry (licensing, record companies, etc.).”

“Columbus is such a growing music scene and being a part of it has impacted my life in very positive ways. I look forward to being a continued part of it all. C-bus is and has been a home to me for a while now and will remain just that.”

Press

Read about what the city has to say about the census results!

Axios: Columbus Musicians Struggle to Make a Living

Columbus Business First: Music Columbus census reveals gap in Central Ohio music scene

Andrew Ginther, Mayor of Columbus

“Columbus has a rich history of music that is driven by our venues and artists. The Greater Columbus Music Census will provide us with valuable insight to our music ecosystem that will assist efforts for Columbus to become the nationally recognized music city we deserve to be.”

Donna Collins, Executive Director, Ohio Arts Council

“The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. The Music Cities Census initiative will provide important data about performing arts venues and arts sector professionals that will help inform the status of the arts, including music, and increase our knowledge about how to support the arts eco-system in the state.”

Angela Perley, Musician

“Columbus has a thriving and diverse music scene and the Columbus music census will shine an in-depth light on that and provide the city with crucial insight that will help us take bigger steps in expanding and enriching the community here.”