Baton Rouge, LA — The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge is proud to announce the Baton Rouge Region Music Census, a new regional initiative aimed at understanding and strengthening the music ecosystem. Set to begin in September 2025, the Baton Rouge Region Music Census (brmusiccensus.org) will gather comprehensive data from individuals and organizations involved in all parts of the music ecosystem—creators, venues, educators, producers, businesses, and more. The project is being led in partnership with Sound Music Cities, a national leader in music ecosystem planning and music census work.

The effort centers lived experience, recognizing that the best insights come from the people who are actually doing the work. The census invites anyone 18 or older who works in music in any capacity, paid or unpaid, and who lives or works in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupée, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, West Feliciana, and West Baton Rouge Parishes.

“To move our music scene forward, we’ve got to understand where we’re at right now,” said Mayor-President Sid Edwards. “The Baton Rouge Music Census highlights the people and places that make our music community special, and makes sure they’re part of our city’s future.”

The initiative is supported by a coalition of regional partners:
Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, City of Baton Rouge and Mayor-President Sid Edward’s Office, Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Southern University.

Still, the success of the census depends on broad community involvement.

“We need the voices of those who are out there doing the work, gigging, mentoring, producing, rehearsing, recording, teaching,” said Jonathan Grimes, President and CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. “That’s where the real knowledge lives, and it’s why we’re calling on community partners and local ambassadors to help us reach every corner of our music scene.”

Call for Community Partners

To ensure broad participation and an honest picture of the region’s music life, the project team is seeking Community Engagement Partners and Local Ambassadors. These may include venues, festivals, music teachers, church music directors, students, independent artists, nonprofits, promoters, and business leaders. Toolkits and support will be provided to help each partner activate their networks.

Those interested in getting involved can sign up at brmusiccensus.org.

The results will inform strategies to support live performance, improve professional development, address affordability, increase access to resources, and guide long-term investment in the Greater Baton Rouge area’s creative economy.