An innovative and ground breaking community research project is set to unearth what local musicians and audiences want from the music scene in Tairāwhiti.
The Tairāwhiti Music Survey - Te Rangahou Puoro o te Tairāwhiti - project is the brain child of local musician and live music venue co-owner, Darryl Monteith. During his time as Chair of Creative Tairawhiti from 2006-2010, Darryl said he “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, it was further injected with life in 2019 after organising an “overwhelmingly positive” hui to discuss a music strategy for Tairāwhiti. With the onset of the challenging Covid years, the idea was put on the back burner until Darryl found he “had the time, energy and head space to pick the idea up again.”
Attending a Te Urungi funding application weekend last year and successfully applying for, 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. Darryl explains, “the whole concept of the funding workshop actually represents exactly what we’re doing here. 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, collectively, would like to go yet” The grassroots research project is a first, with no template for it. “We’re not aware of anywhere else in New Zealand successfully mapping their music sector before, so it’s a great opportunity to pilot such a project here.”
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 is to have as many people as possible complete the online survey to ensure a far reaching group of many diverse voices have their say on the future of music in Tairāwhiti.” 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. “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. Responding to the opportunities and challenges that exist now and in the future, while 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 community survey will be available online through to the end of April. To be part of this innovative research project, be sure to have your say and join with the voices of others in the mapping of music in Tairāwhiti. www.whatmusicsmeanstome.nz