North Carolina steps up its music game with new state office
The brand new North Carolina Music Office will foster the local music culture and industry.
North Carolina is set to establish a new office dedicated to promoting and celebrating the state’s music, musicians, and music industry, according to an announcement made by Governor Roy Cooper. The office, which will operate within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is part of a broader strategy to bolster the state’s creative economy, enhancing economic development and increasing awareness of North Carolina’s rich music heritage and culture.
The newly minted North Carolina Music Office has a remit to drive a variety of music-centric programming and investment throughout the state. North Carolina now joins a handful of other states — including Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee — which have established state-supported music offices. The Governor fittingly revealed the new office during an event for Make Music Day, a worldwide celebration of the art form.
Highlighting the economic power of the music industry, Governor Cooper stated, “North Carolina’s vibrant music industry is a key part of our state’s creative economy, driving economic growth and supporting nearly 45,000 jobs.” He also emphasized the potential of the N.C. Music Office to bolster this crucial industry.
The N.C. Music Office will be nestled within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and will serve as a hub for the department’s wide range of music-related assets and initiatives. The development of a state music strategy is currently underway, with collaborations planned with DNCR divisions and partner organizations.
These include the N.C. Arts Council, the Come Hear NC initiative, the N.C. Museum of Art, the N.C. Museum of History, N.C. State Historic Sites, the N.C. Symphony, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, and several others. The office also plans to liaise with state agencies and organizations including Visit NC, the N.C. Department of Commerce, and PBS North Carolina.
DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson expressed enthusiasm about the new office and its potential impact, stating, “The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is uniquely positioned to support the new North Carolina Music Office thanks to our already robust cultural and educational programming centered on North Carolina music. We are excited to expand our resources and opportunities for the state’s thriving music industry — one that creates jobs and improves quality of life in all 100 counties.”
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