Fiscal Note
No impact at this time, there may be an implication for future budgets.
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Establishing the Task Force on Equity in Music and Entertainment.
Body
WHEREAS, Madison is widely considered one of the best cities for music in North America because of the number of performances and the access that residents have to a diversity of musical genres; and,
WHEREAS, Madison’s Cultural Plan recognizes that equitable access to diverse art forms is core to the cultural vitality of our community; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has invested considerable resources in continually increasing the support for Madison as a Music City; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is committed to achieving equity in our policies, procedures, and practices; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Arts Commission recommended the formation of a task force on Equity in Music and Entertainment to address the obstacles to participation artists and audiences of diverse musical genres such as by Hip-Hop artists and audiences; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Cultural Plan (adopted August 6, 2015; ID # 24233) states that Entertainment industry professionals regard the entire live music industry and its venues as overregulated, and particularly so in the case of events featuring performers identified with Hip-Hop culture and some called for revisiting costs associated with entertainment licensing, which are barriers to both emerging musicians and to the sustainability of commercial nightclubs; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Cultural Plan recommended that the Alcohol License Review Committee (ALRC) should continue its discussion with input from the Madison Police Department, Office of the City Attorney, nightclub owners, musicians, performers, and music promoters concerning licensing structures, fees, and public safety practices. This discussion should explore the concerns of venue operators and promoters of live and electronic music on audiences, artists, and the venues themselves. If warranted, policies and practices could be changed as recommended by the Task Force on Equity in Music and Entertainment Task Force,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council establish an ad hoc a Task Force on Equity in Music and Entertainment to work together with the Mayor, City Council, ALRC, City staff, residents and other stakeholders to make recommendations to the Mayor and the Common Council that will improve upon Madison’s reputation as an music and entertainment hub that offers an enjoyable and welcoming environment for all of our residents and guests of all ages, thereby providing positive social, cultural, and economic impact for Madison; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ad hoc Task Force shall be staffed by the Department of Civil Rights and will consist of 11 members which should include a minimum of one alder and a maximum of two alders appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. The Task Force membership shall be made up of Oone member each of the Alcohol License Review Committee, Transit and Parking Commission, Madison Arts Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, Public Safety Review committee, a representative of the Hip-Hop community organization, a college student, a music/entertainment promoter, a live music business owner, a music venue property owner, and a musician; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Task Force will cover the following issues:
a) Identifyication of the root causes of issues that may detract from equal access to entertainment by all residents and guests including transportation and public perception of safety concerns,
b) Explore Bbest practices used in other communities, especially those that are home to large populations of college students, young professionals, residents who are active in urban arts that can be adapted to our own downtown,
c) Recommend short and long-term Sstrategies to establish an atmosphere of continued communication, which will assure the sustainability of the desired environment and benefits,
d) Analysis of costs, revenues, and timelines that will support both short term and long term recommendations; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Task Force shall complete a report with recommendations and submit its work to the Mayor and Common Council by February 27, 2018. The Task Force shall dissolve upon receipt or acceptance of its recommendations.