MAPPING THE MUSICAL LANDSCAPE

GRASSROOTS PROJECT: People are invited to Smash Palace tonight for the official launch of a community research project to map the music sector in Tairāwhiti. Pictured from left, Deidre Kirikiri, Ross McKeague, Dave 'Skog' Kirikiri and Caden McGoverne got together for a recent Build-a-Band session and are just some of the musicians keen to have their say. Picture supplied

An innovative and groundbreaking community research project is set to unearth what local musicians and audiences want from the music scene in Tairāwhiti.

The Tairāwhiti Music Survey — Te Rangahau Puoro o te Tairāwhiti — project is the brain child of local musician and live music venue co-owner, Darryl Monteith.

He cites his passion for what music does for us as the driving force for the project, with the idea germinating for quite some time.

During his years as chair of Creative Tairāwhiti from 2006 to 2010, Mr Monteith “often thought about the way in which sports were funded and wondered why the same funding wasn't applied to the arts”.

With the thought of possible opportunities in the music industry ruminating over the years, the project was injected with life in 2019 after Mr Monteith organised an “overwhelmingly positive” hui to discuss a music strategy for the region.

With the onset of the challenging Covid-19 pandemic, the idea was put on the back burner until Mr Monteith found he had the time, energy and was in the right head space to pick the idea up again.

Attending a Te Urungi funding application weekend last year and securing seed funding through Manatū Taonga (Ministry for Culture and Heritage) means the community research project is well supported to map the musical landscape in Tairāwhiti.

Te Urungi is the steering paddle of a waka hourua and the funding is intended to guide innovative ideas and projects in the arts sector.

“The whole concept of the funding workshop represents exactly what we're doing here,” Mr Monteith said.

“We have this beautiful music waka, which contributes hugely to our wellbeing in Tairāwhiti. We just don't have a means of steering it or know where we would like to go yet.”

The grassroots research project is a first and there is no template for it.

“As far as we're aware, nowhere else in New Zealand has successfully mapped their music scene before, so it is a great opportunity to pilot such a project here,” Mr Monteith said.

There are three phases to the research project.

Phase one is the launch of the online What Does Music Mean To You? survey and gathering data from local musicians and audience members.

Phase two is analysis of that data and phase three is taking steps forward in relation to what the data reveals.

The aim was to have as many people as possible complete the online survey to ensure a far-reaching group of diverse voices had their say on the future of music in Tairāwhiti, Mr Monteith said.

While individuals and music-related businesses will complete the survey online, bands and music organisations will have the opportunity to complete the survey via facilitated meetings.

Once the data is gathered, the results will be mapped out to identify the challenges, hopes, aspirations and dreams of those involved within the music sector, he said.

“We have very passionate and talented musicians who are already fairly well connected. This project provides us with an in-depth understanding of the musical landscape for all budding and experienced musicians here in Tairāwhiti, as well as the audiences they serve.

“The ability to respond to the opportunities and challenges that exist now and in the future and making the most of the wonderful benefits that music already provides to our community are at the core of this important piece of work.”

The launch of the research project and survey takes place at Smash Palace tonight at 7pm and is open to everyone.

The community survey will be available online from today through to the end of April.

To be part of this innovative research project, have your say at www.whatmusicmeanstome.co.nz