Manhattan Music Census

It's About Community

Led by members of our local music scene, the Manhattan Music Census will give our leaders and community members a better understanding of the local music ecosystem’s current needs. The census captures key information about the local music economy to help everyone make more informed, data-driven decisions.

More than that, however, the Census is an opportunity for every part of Manhattan's rich music scene to reconnect, beginning the long journey toward a shared sense of community. With the robust network created at the end of this process, that massive community will be able to work together to face old problems and new challenges in dynamic ways. Whatever the community decides to tackle first, including healthcare for artists, problematic city ordinances, knowledge of opportunities, or any of a multitude of other ideas, this census will help bring Manhattan together to solve it.

The Manhattan Music Census is open to anyone 18 or older who contributes to Manhattan’s music community in any capacity, paid or unpaid. You should also participate if you live in Manhattan but only work in music ecosystems outside of the city.

Manhattan is part of Kansas Music Cities Together, a year-long, cohort-based program designed to help Kansas communities better understand, connect, and support their local music ecosystems. The census is the first step. Led by Sound Music Cities, in collaboration with the Kansas Arts Commission, Kansas Music Cities Together brings Kansas communities together for shared learning and technical assistance. The program is supported by Movement Musick and is designed to meet communities where they are, supporting local leaders through shared learning, coordination, and practical tools.

Join Us! Become a Community Partner!

We would love for you to join us as a Community Partner! We’re looking for many voices, including organizations and individuals like you, to help us spread the word when the survey launches. The commitment itself is small: we just ask that you share the census with your network and encourage people to participate. That could mean:

  • Sharing via email or social media

  • Posting flyers in your space or at events

  • Reaching out to your community personally

If you're interested, fill out the form below!

MUSIC MUSIC CENSUS

COMMUNITY PARTNER SIGN-UP FORM

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This census is focused on people who work in music in any capacity. Fans are encouraged to help spread the word to musicians, venues, studios, educators, and anyone doing music-related work.

  • Manhattan’s music community and its partners want reliable information about the people who power the music ecosystem. The data helps identify what is working, where support is most needed, and what opportunities exist. When the results are released, they will be available for musicians, venues, nonprofits, funders, businesses, and civic leaders to use.

  • The census includes questions about demographics, occupation type, creative and industry roles, income and economic activity, workforce and professional development, affordability, and overall experiences working in the Wichita music ecosystem.

  • Yes. The census does not collect personal identifiers or IP addresses. Any comments that appear in the published results will be attributed only as “Census Respondent.”

  • Most people complete it in about 8-10 minutes, depending on their role and how much they choose to write in the open comment sections.

  • The Manhattan Music Census will run for two weeks.

  • Anyone 18 or older who contributes to Wichita’s music community in any capacity, paid or unpaid. Anyone who lives in Wichita but only works in music ecosystems outside of the city should also complete the census.

  • Yes. Many people in Wichita’s music community work part-time, seasonally, occasionally, or volunteer their time. If you actively contribute to the ecosystem in any way, your voice is important.

  • Pick the primary role that fits you best. The census has space to list any additional roles you perform.

  • The results are expected to be available between July and September, shared publicly through reports, dashboards, and community presentations.

  • Feel free to reach out to Brendan Henault, President of MHK Music Network, Inc. and one of the Lead Partners for the Manhattan Music Census! If he can't immediately answer your question, he'll work with the other Lead Partners to find an answer for you. He can be reached at mhkmusicnetwork@gmail.com or 785-250-5049.