The Washington State Music Census is a statewide survey designed to collect data about the economic, employment, and demographic realities of Washington’s music industry. The census aims to provide policymakers and industry stakeholders with critical insights to better support music professionals, businesses, and the broader creative sector.

 Anyone involved in Washington’s music ecosystem should participate, including:

• Artists, performers, and composers generating income from music.
• Music educators teaching any age group.
• Business owners or managers of venues hosting live music.
• Owners of music-related businesses, such as recording studios, record labels, or instrument makers.
• Professionals providing support services like management, marketing, legal, or creative roles.

If you earn any income from music-related activities, this census is for you!

Yes, the census is completely anonymous. All data will be aggregated, and no personal information will be shared or published.

The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

To complete the census, it’s helpful for the following to have:

Venue Owners: The Census will ask you to look at your business for the years 2019 & 2023 including:

• Total # of workers (including yourself)
• Labor Expenditures
• Estimated Annual Revenue
• How many total shows you presented
• How many featured out of state performers
• Did you have any outside promoters that are not based in WA
• Space lease/mortgage amount

Business Owners: The Census will ask you to look at your business for the years 2019 & 2023 including:

• Total # of workers (including yourself)
• Labor Expenditures
• Estimated Annual Revenue

Industry Workers: The Census will ask you to look at your employment for the years 2019 & 2023 including:

• The area of your work
• Total music-related income

Artists: The Census will ask you to look at your income and performances for the years 2019 & 2023 including:

• Estimated GROSS music-related income (individual income, and group-based as needed)
• Total number of performances
• Your estimated music-related expenses
• Geographic location of performances (in-state vs. out of state)

The data collected will inform Washington’s first economic impact study on commercial music and live performance. Policymakers, city officials, and industry leaders will use this information to create initiatives, programs, and funding opportunities that benefit the music sector.

 Please submit your response by January 31st, 2025.

You can support the census by:

• Sharing the survey link with your network via email or social media.

Using our pre-made social media toolkit and newsletter templates, available HERE.

The census is a collaboration between the Washington Nightlife & Music Association (WANMA), the Washington Department of Commerce, and the City of Seattle.

The music industry in Washington has never been systematically analyzed, leaving its economic and cultural impact underrepresented. This census will:

• Quantify the industry’s scope and contribution to the state’s economy.
• Help secure funding, resources, and programs for music professionals and businesses.
• Advocate for supportive policies to ensure the industry’s sustainability and growth.

Your participation helps tell the collective story of Washington’s vibrant music community.

For more information, email us at info@WANMA.info or visit our website at https://wanma.info/contact/.