The strategic document aims to better support musicians facing challenges and unite sector stakeholders around a shared vision. Officials see the manifesto as a way to advocate for the industry and help address ongoing issues like the high cost of living, making full-time music careers difficult to sustain in Jersey. By laying out objectives and facilitating coordination, it is hoped the manifesto can strengthen opportunities for artists through increased funding, job prospects and platforms for exposure. The island of Jersey has a thru-founded folk music tradition and a dedicated grassroots music community with genres like rock and folk deeply rooted in the island's culture. Local fans regularly support performances at venues across the island. However, musicians struggle with limited domestic markets and difficulty accessing networks beyond Jersey's shores.
The manifesto draft outlines objectives to bolster collaboration between music education providers, venues, and the government. A public consultation process is underway allowing residents to provide feedback on an initial draft of the manifesto. Stakeholders see the manifesto as a means to bolster collaboration between music organisations, education providers and government. With goals around developing talent, growing audiences and representing the industry politically, it could help counter isolation challenges through a unified strategy.
Islanders can get involved and provide feedback through the Creative Islands Partnership (CIP), which is a collective of Jersey arts/culture bodies. Islanders still have until the end of December to submit views through an online form by joining the advocacy group Creative Islands Partnership. The finalized manifesto is scheduled for publication in February. Officials will then use it as a strategic framework to review funding allocations and policies supporting Jersey's music economy over the coming years.
