After statewide music incentives fail to move forward, focus shifts to hyperlocal programs

Neither House Bill 393, the Georgia Music Investment Credit Act, nor HB 549, the Georgia Statewide Music Office Act, made it to the Senate during the 2023 legislative session, despite advocacy efforts involving top names in the music industry. This marks a distinct setback for those championing a program similar to what the film industry has had in the state since 2005. 

Georgia Music Partners was one organization leading the charge.

GMP President Mala Sharma spoke with GPB News about what the organization plans for its next steps in the wake of the defeat of these two bills on Monday's "Crossover Day" in the Georgia Capitol.

TRANSCRIPT

Sarah Rose: What are your next steps?

Mala Sharma: I think initially we had wanted to move forward with the two bills. One for a tax incentive and the other for a music office. Unfortunately, neither of those bills got in the House. It's kind of a familiar situation now where even after the recommendations from the joint committee, we just don't see a lot of support at the state level for music. I think that's something we need to really figure out, how to best be heard. I have been really pleased with the overwhelming support, not just from a lot of national and local businesses that would like to see Georgia music work, but really from smaller communities all around the state really recognizing that the music strategy could lift up their communities.There's opportunities for workforce and economic development through music. I think our focus is working more closely at city and county levels.

Sarah Rose: Does this indicate a pivot toward some more hyperlocal initiatives? Is it fair to say your attention is off of the statewide initiatives for now, going forward?

Mala Sharma: Unfortunately, you know, it has to be. We would love nothing more than to have that support and to have a voice at the state level.

Sarah Rose: Do you have a timeline for when you would potentially consider reapproaching a statewide initiative for this? 

Mala Sharma: Year after year, we don't give up. I'm sure we'll be back next year, we'll try when we are not in session to go meet with a lot of these legislators and explain, you know, here's how the state could benefit. Here's what other states are doing in response. I think we'll be back next session with both of these bills, because it's a two-year cycle here and those bills will still be active. So, you know, it's safe to say we will continue to push if we can.

Sarah Rose: Since you are shifting to a hyperlocal focus, do you have a a game plan for places that you feel like you could get some some ground work in and and some forward motion right now? 

Mala Sharma: Braselton is one that we've already done some meetings with them. Augusta, just two weeks ago. We helped them with an event and had clients from the local arts organizations, local government, a lot of the music industry folks there. Our next focus is really to put together a sort of template or pilot programs in different cities for how they can start growing, building upon the base they've already got with it. Music in every market is different. They really want to attract more music programs and events and a creative community as a place for them to live and work. So, you know, I think we'll probably be putting together some different roadmaps depending on on the direction these communities want to go in.

Sarah Rose: When you talk about these hyperlocal initatives, are you looking to port what you were hoping to accomplish on a state level within city governments?

Mala Sharma: Absolutely. That is a big part of it. There are already some cities that have, whether it's an entertainment office, some include music and some don't. But absolutely, whether it's someone who's on staff or a music commission to begin with, we're being mindful of the budgets of some of these smaller communities. So, you know, it may be you just have a music commission or resources where they can reach out to partners and we can work with them around best practices for local policies, whether it's regarding busking, parking inside and outside venues, for loading for events or shows, sound ordinance, things that kind of help. Create that environment where music businesses and musicians can thrive.

Sarah Rose: We've seen some states like Tennessee make it virtually illegal for transgender performers to play on stage. There's similar legislation that's been floated around in Georgia. Would you all advocate for performers' rights in a situation if Georgia enacted similar legislation?

Mala Sharma: We advocate for artists' rights and their freedom to exercise the First Amendment and I'm going to leave it at that. 

Sarah Rose: If that bill was to move forward, would you foresee a situation where your organization would become more vocal in that area to protect the rights of performers?

Mala Sharma: I think that that's likely.