The “Musicians’ Census” – what’s the purpose of it?
While some studies on elements of the musician’s population exist, there is a lack of comprehensive data relating to musicians’ lives as a whole (covering demographics, diversity, health and wellbeing, and variety of working patterns). Help Musicians and the Musicians’ Union are working together on project called ‘The Musicians’ Census,’ with the aim of gathering an accurate picture of the total population of musicians in the U.K. The Census will be repeated every 3-5 years to track changes in the musician’s population over time.
What’s involved?
The Census will be launched in mid-January and will consist of a short online questionnaire that we would like every musician in the U.K to complete. Responses to the questionnaire will be anonymous and we hope to capture accurate data on the number of musicians, as well as developing a deeper, shared understanding of what it’s like to be a professional musician in 2023. Top level findings will be shared with charities and bodies that support musicians to help them plan how best to represent, advocate for and support musicians in future years. Help Musicians and the Musicians’ Union are working with an independent research agency, ICM on this project who will lead in the delivery and findings of the Census to ensure it is statistically representative.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
We are asking organisations who have potential links to people working in the music sector to help us encourage engagement in the Census through their networks and communication platforms. It is vital that we reach the widest audience possible to ensure the Census gives an accurate picture of the total musician population.
If you are willing and able to help us spread the word about the census (i.e., either on your social platforms, a newsletter or personal advocacy) we would love to hear from you.
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/about-us/news/take-the-first-ever-musicians-census