King County Creative—Music policy

The Creative Economy Initiative provides resources for musicians, indiviuals, and businesses in the music industry in King County.

a crowd with their arms raised at a concert. Yellow lights from the stage silhouette the crowd while mist silhouette's the performer.

Music is a part of the fabric of life in the Puget Sound region. Groundbreaking bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana defined the 90s, putting Seattle on the sonic map. Today, musicians continue to contribute to our culture and quality of life in the Pacific Northwest, putting the “sound” in Puget Sound. However, explosive growth and the rising cost of living in our region is putting pressure on the people and venues that made the “Seattle sound” famous. The Creative Economy Initiative is also intended to address the needs of music artists in our region so they can continue creating harmony (and melody) for the next generation.

Washington State Music Census - 2025

The Washington State Music Census is live until February 28, 2025!

Learn more and fill out the survey

For the first time ever, Washington’s music economy is being comprehensively analyzed to measure its economic, employment, and demographic scope. Despite the cultural and economic significance of music, its true value has remained invisible to policymakers and investors — until now.

Through the combined efforts of the Washington Nightlife & Music Association (WANMA), Washington Department of Commerce, City of Seattle Office of Economic Development, and King County Office of Economic Opportunity and Creative Economy, this groundbreaking census will provide the data needed to advocate for stronger support of the music sector. This anonymous survey will collect information about income, employment, and demographics within the music sector. Its intent is to make the music industry more visible to policymakers, investors, and stakeholders.

Results from the Washington State Music Census will be presented in Seattle on April 26, 2025, at the Cascadia Music Summit, in partnership with the Music Policy Forum. The final report will also be published online.

Follow OEOCE’s Creative Economy Instagram, Facebook Group, and newsletter to be notified when the report is live.