City of Dothan selected for international music program
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The City of Dothan has been selected to participate in the Music Policy Resilience Network (MPRN), a global community working to strengthen local music ecosystems through research, policy development, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Dothan joins a list of 29 total cities, becoming the 16th U.S. location to be included.
“For the past three years, we have worked to grow live music in Dothan, and we are beginning to see what is possible. We have touring artists coming through our venues, we have talented local and regional musicians, and we have people and organizations throughout our community who want to be part of what comes next. We have momentum. Now it is time to determine how we capitalize on it.”
Clay Dempsey, Performing Arts Director for the City of Dothan
What is the Music Policy Resilience Network?
Launched by the Centre for Music Ecosystems, the Music Policy Resilience Network provides participating communities with access to:
- Research
- Global expertise
- Local music policy development support
- International network
The city believes the MPRN can provide Dothan with an opportunity to examine its existing music ecosystem and identify areas of opportunity to support local musicians, venues and businesses.
“This isn’t about trying to become Huntsville, Birmingham or any other music city. It’s about figuring out what Dothan can be. What makes sense for our community? What can we create here that is authentic, sustainable and uniquely ours? If we bring the right people together and develop a plan, I believe we have an opportunity to create something that gives people another reason to visit Dothan, stay in Dothan and experience Dothan.”
Clay Dempsey, Performing Arts Director for the City of Dothan
Dothan’s selection comes on the heels of the City’s recent announcement it was awarded a Levitt AMP Music Series Grant, which will be used to bring a series of free live music performances to downtown Dothan’s Porter Park this fall.
Together, the two initiatives represent a growing commitment to making music an important part of Dothan’s cultural, economic and community development.
The program is supported by the Nordic Culture Fund and the Levitt Foundation.
