Sacramento is remixing its music scene with a dose of economic savvy.
The city has tapped federal recovery funds to launch an initiative teaching local musicians how to earn a living from their art.
After a new “Music Census” found that 75% of Sacramento’s musicians rely on non-music jobs to survive, officials responded with a grant to the Department of Sound to roll out “Making Money with Music” workshops. This year-long program will school artists on royalties, licensing, merchandising and other revenue streams – essentially turning passion into a viable business.
It’s a striking example of city-level support and good Purple Cow candidate for the creative economy: rather than just promoting concerts or venues, Sacramento is investing in people and their skills.
By treating musicians as entrepreneurs in need of training, the city hopes to boost incomes and keep its talent local. In the long run, a more financially empowered music community could amplify Sacramento’s cultural cachet – and hit a high note for inclusive growth.