Thanks to a grant from MassDevelopment, a state-run financial firm, The Record Co. and other creative industries in Boston are receiving the funds necessary to pursue projects that expand creative influence throughout the city. The music focused non-profit plans on using the grant funds to open an all-ages music venue somewhere in Boston and, in an effort to gear it towards the community, wants to hear from musicians and others in the music scene in this survey.
It can be frustrating when you find the perfect lineup — your favorite bands, all in one place! — and you actually have that evening free, only to discover the show is 21+. For those whose birthdays make this a non-issue, it can be difficult to see how this affects the crowds under legal drinking age in Boston. Many venues around the city have bars which puts them in a position where they must decide between taking on the risks — financial and otherwise — with allowing minors into an environment that sells alcohol or simply giving shows an age limit to avoid this.
The Record Co. is an arts non-profit dedicated to cultivating an inclusive music scene in Boston. Their mission statement reads: “A vibrant, equitable music scene builds bridges between communities, drives a meaningful creative economy, and makes our city a more desirable place to live and work.” In order to fulfill this mission, The Record Co. wants to open an all-ages venue at an as of yet undecided location in Boston. Candidates at the moment include Jamaica Plain, South Boston, and Dorchester, as the organization seeks to benefit traditionally underserved communities in the city.
To ensure the performance space is created with best interests in mind, The Record Co. encourages musicians and others working in the music industry to fill out this survey. The survey results will help them to design the space to best fit their needs, as indicated by their responses.
The grant comes from a new program hosted by MassDevelopment called the Collaborative Workspace Program, dedicated to fostering new creative spaces throughout the city.
In an interview with Boston Magazine, The Record Co. founder Matt MacArthur said:
The Record Co. states on their website: “We need spaces where young bands can play their first shows, where kids can see their parents play, and where curation is at the center of the model, not alcohol.” In addition to hosting affordable recording sessions for emerging artists, the organization places focus on intersectionality and inclusivity in the music community.
Fill out the survey here — it’s completely anonymous and the results will help The Record Co. create a space that musicians and others across Boston can use.