London, ON (January 10, 2013) – The music industry in London is strong, with many musicians, venues, recording and production studious, performances and festivals. Chris Bentley, MPP London West, joined by Deb Matthews, MPP London North Centre, brought representatives of the music scene together with economic development leaders to highlight the importance of music to our economy. Our challenge is to identify opportunities which will create more jobs within our strong music industry, and strengthen London’s creative economy.
Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada, said “Support for the growth of a local music scene like London’s not only generates more opportunities for local artists and musicians and the many professionals engaged in the business of music, but, as evidenced by cities like Austin, Nashville and New Orleans, enables a community to draw more tourists, and to build the kind of lifestyle that attracts and retains young workers and companies that employ them. If London isn’t using its music cluster to its advantage, then it’s missing a big opportunity.”
“If we were to look at the role of the creative sector, in particular music, in a city like Austin Texas we would see that the impact has grown substantially, accounting in 2010 for just over $4.35 billion in economic activity, over $71 million in City tax revenues, and almost 49,000 jobs. Staggering numbers to say the least,” says Gerry Macartney, CEO and General Manager of the London Chamber of Commerce. “And ones we can ill afford to ignore here in London.”
“This is an important and exciting opportunity for London,” says Chris Bentley, MPP London West. “Here are four steps we will be taking:
- Identifying who and what is here - an inventory analysis
- Supporting the music industry - starting with two networking events
- Identifying and developing our competitive advantage
- Marketing – beginning with the role each of us can play.
When we strike the right note – the score means jobs. That’s what I hear.”
FAST FACTS
- Music and recording are key elements of Canada’s $46 billion culture economy and are directly responsible for tens of thousands of jobs.
- Ontario has 81% of Canada’s sound recording industry.
- London is one of the largest music clusters in the Province.
CONTACT:
Joyce Kmith
Office of Chris Bentley, MPP
(519) 657-3120
(519) 281-7894
Cbentley.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
