Proposal for Cooperative-Owned Music and Performing Arts Venues - Network - UnityStages
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the music and performing arts industry, maintaining artistic independence and fostering community-driven initiatives are crucial. We propose the establishment of a chain of cooperative-owned venues, known as the Musikcentrum, which will serve as stages for musicians and other performing artists. These venues will be managed and operated by their members, ensuring that the interests of artists and local communities remain at the forefront.
Vision
Our vision is to create a sustainable and interconnected network of performance spaces that empower artists, foster community engagement, and support artistic independence. By connecting with other cooperatives across Europe, we aim to build a robust touring network that benefits both artists and local audiences.
Key Objectives
1. Establish Cooperative-Owned Venues:
- Create venues owned and managed by members, ensuring that all stakeholders have a say in the operation and management of the spaces.
- Foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among members, promoting transparency and inclusivity in decision-making.
2. **Develop the Brand:**
- Launch the Musikcentrum as a recognizable and trusted brand for independent and cooperative-owned performance venues.
- Ensure that each venue adheres to high standards of quality and accessibility, making them attractive destinations for both artists and audiences.
3. **Connect with European Cooperatives:**
- Establish partnerships with other cooperative venues and organizations across Europe, creating a vast network of performance spaces.
- Facilitate the exchange of resources, knowledge, and best practices among cooperatives to strengthen the overall network.
4. **Create a Comprehensive Touring Route:**
- Develop a streamlined booking system that allows artists to plan tours across the entire network of 22 venues.
- Ensure that artists receive fair compensation and that revenue is fairly distributed between the cooperative and the performers.
5. **Reinvest in the Community:**
- Allocate all revenue generated from performances and events back into the cooperative and its members, supporting the growth and sustainability of the venues.
- Invest in local community initiatives, educational programs, and artist development opportunities.
**Implementation Plan**
1. **Initial Setup:**
- Identify and secure locations for the first Musikcentrum venues in key cities across Europe.
- Form a founding cooperative committee to oversee the establishment and operation of the venues.
2. **Membership Drive:**
- Launch a campaign to recruit members from the local artistic and performing arts communities.
- Offer various membership tiers, including options for artists, community members, and supporters.
3. **Venue Development:**
- Renovate and equip venues with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, ensuring they meet the needs of a wide range of performances.
- Create accessible and welcoming spaces that encourage community involvement and artistic expression.
4. **Network Expansion:**
- Actively seek partnerships with existing cooperative venues and organizations across Europe.
- Develop a unified branding and marketing strategy to promote the Musikcentrum network.
5. **Booking and Touring System:**
- Implement an online booking platform that simplifies the process of organizing tours across the network.
- Provide logistical support to artists, including assistance with travel and accommodation arrangements.
6. **Revenue Management:**
- Establish transparent financial processes to ensure fair distribution of revenue between the cooperative and artists.
- Regularly review and adjust revenue-sharing models to reflect the needs and contributions of all members.
**Conclusion**
The Musikcentrum cooperative-owned venues represent a bold and innovative approach to supporting independent artists and fostering community engagement. By creating a network of interconnected performance spaces across Europe, we can ensure that artists have the freedom to express themselves while benefiting from a supportive and sustainable infrastructure. We invite you to join us in this exciting venture and help shape the future of the music and performing arts industry.
Action plan:
In Malmö Musikcentrum could join forces with Mix Musik, Jazz I Malmö, Malmö Folk, Ljudgården, Malmö Metal Massacre to run their own venue
In Europe Musikcentrum could collaborate with existing cooperatives like Jazz Federation in Hamburg
The Math:
Based on The Medley way and Fam way (tex work in bar get free tickets to shows and annual summerparties, movie nights, food, (do research):
22 Venues
240 concert nights per year per venue
5280 Concert nights per year in total
Musicians/Artists is payed a monthly salary during touring the 22 venues
Monthly wages per artist:
34000 SEK is 26000 SEK after taxes etc
34000 per band X 4 is 136000 SEK
136000 Divided by 22 venues is 6181 SEK per venue per night
Tickets:
Low fee: 150Sek 15 Euro = 40 tickets a 150 SEK= 6000
Non profitable NGO. Every penny goes back into the system and could be distributed as free concert nights, to create funds for festivals, children events, label & distribution etc
The Cooperative need to be partially funded by the state or commune. Preferably via a rent free venue deal
Here are some name suggestions by Chat GPT:
ArtisanStages
Harmonia Collective
MelodyMakers Network
Crescendo Collective
StageCoop
Harmonic Hubs
PerformCoop Network
UnityStages
Rhythm Routes
SoundSphere Network
