The Manhattan Music Census is a community-led initiative to gain a better understanding of the current needs of the Manhattan music community. The census captures key information about the local music economy to help leaders and community members make more informed, data-driven decisions to support the music ecosystem.
The Manhattan Music Census is open to anyone 18 or older who lives or works in the Manhattan music ecosystem. If you contribute to Manhattan’s music community in any capacity, paid or unpaid, you should participate.
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 — and 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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 Manhattan music ecosystem.
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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.”
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Most people complete it in about 8 minutes, depending on their role and how much they choose to write in the open comment sections.
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The Manhattan Music Census will run for two weeks.
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Anyone 18 or older who lives or works in the Manhattan music ecosystem. If you contribute to Manhattan’s music community in any capacity, paid or unpaid, you should participate.
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Yes. Many people in Manhattan’s music community work part-time, seasonally, occasionally, or volunteer their time. If you contribute to the ecosystem in any way, your voice is important.
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Pick the primary role that fits you best. The census has space to list any additional roles you perform.
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Yes. You can complete it on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. If you plan to come back later, use the same device.
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The results are expected to be available between July and September, shared publicly through reports, dashboards, and community presentations
Join Us, Become a Community Partner!
Your Voice Matters.
We are inviting you to join us as a Community Partner in the Manhattan Music Census. We’re looking for trusted organizations and voices — like yours — to help us spread the word when the survey launches. No heavy lift — just a commitment to share the census with your network and encourage participation. That could mean:
Sharing via email or social media
Posting flyers in your space or at events
Reaching out to your community personally