Frank Kimenai, PhD-candidate from ESHCC, is lead researcher on Defining Resilience in Remote Music Ecosystems, the first large-scale research project that directly shows how investing in music in remote and isolated communities boosts resilience.
Defining Resilience in Remote Music Ecosystems is a collaboration between Center for Music Ecosystems and local partners in Nuuk (Greenland), Torshavn (Faroe Islands) and Juneau (Alaska). Through direct local engagement from music leaders in Nuuk, Torshavn and Juneau and academic support from Erasmus University Rotterdam, the project shows how music is an under-utilized, powerful resource in remote, culturally diverse, and unique communities. Frank developed the methodology and main analyses for the research.
29 pioneering recommendations
The research links artists, programmers, and policymakers across the Global North to explore how to increase the role, impact, and value of music in remote and isolated communities. Through 29 recommendations, the pioneering report shows how we can better identify and target support measures to improve communities now and far into the future.
The recommendations include:
Detailing the impact of mapping music infrastructure, places and spaces;
How music can enhance and support a joined-up communications strategy across city and third-sector agencies, such as tourism or chambers of commerce;
How to break down silos and create stronger communities through deliberate and intentional engagement with music and local musicians;
How local and regional governments can best support music and how to best adapt this support to local contexts;
How to support young people and accelerate education through music;
How music can help retain talent and reduce emigration, while also being a tool to attract new talent and business from outside.
The research into practice
Following this research and with the support of the Nordic Culture Fund, the Center for Music Ecosystems will launch the Music Policy Resilience Lab in January 2023. This is an 18-month thinktank and suite of learning labs, focusing on supporting remote, rural, and isolated communities to leverage and benefit from their music economies. In addition to leadership in Nuuk, Torshavn and Juneau, a further 15 communities will join the lab, coming together to put the recommendations into practice in locally determined ways, with the support of global experts in music and resilience.
The Music Policy Resilience Lab will include in person events in the Faroe Islands (March 9-12, 2023) and Greenland (at the Nuuk Nordisk Festival May 23-27, 2023), virtual meetings and new partnerships with industry leaders and experts.
- Researcher
- Related links
- Read more on the website of Center for Music Ecosystems
