Your Guide to Music and - Play:Fair for People and Planet
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Your Guide
to Music
and
the SDGs
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
© Center for Music Ecosystems
www.centerformusicecosystems.com
No reproduction or copying of this work is
permitted without written consent of the authors.
Your Guide
to Music
and
the SDGs
Cover Image: © Adobe Stock/JinnaritT
Design: www.aliceclarke.com Center for Music Ecosystems supports the Sustainable Development Goals
1
Dear Music Lover, This guide is our attempt to offer I want to thank my co-authors
a different language of value and partners in this pursuit - to tie
Thank you for downloading
and ask you to look at music music to all the Global Goals in an
and reading the inaugural differently. It is not just a song, honest way and propose solutions
report from the new but a way to improve people's and actions to take forward. This
global NGO, the Center lives. And when incorporated into includes many UN agencies and
for Music Ecosystems. the globally codified language private sector organisations,
Through my work at Sound of sustainability, the Global many of whom are thanked at
Diplomacy over the past Goals, it is immensely powerful. the end of the report. And to all
8+ years, I've seen that We see this day in day out at of you, thanks for reading. This is
while the appreciation of Sound Diplomacy. Music is worth the beginning of the Center for
so much more to all of us. Music Ecosystems. Join us. As The
music has accelerated,
Beatles continue to remind us,
the recognition of it in This is the objective of the Center
it's getting better all the time.
global policy has not. for Music Ecosystems. It will
commission and deliver research
Music is part of all of us, part to expand the value of music in
of our humanity. We've seen global policy frameworks. This is
that in how we've used it to get increasingly important as we look
through the COVID-19 pandemic. to recover from a devastating
It has been a consoler, a friend, pandemic, where poverty and
companionship. And with that, the Kindest Regards,
hunger are rife and the climate
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Piotr Piatrouski amount of music being listened to Shain Shapiro PhD
emergency is increasing. And
around the world has increased. in this international year of the Founder & Executive Director,
But in most places, it was not creative economy, now is the time Center for Music Ecosystems
the songwriters and artists who
Welcome
to be deliberate and intentional Founder & Group CEO,
benefitted from this increase. about music – because it can
More music being listened to Sound Diplomacy
make all lives better, everywhere.
did not translate to more music
rooms in schools, more music
incorporated into healthcare
Photo: © UN Costa Rica
strategies, or more music industry
investment by governments,
who in tune are spending our
money. In fact, musicians have
Shain Shapiro PhD, Founder & Executive Director, Center for faced increasing hardship. Many
Music Ecosystems and Founder & Group CEO, Sound Diplomacy have left the profession.
2 3
Foreword
We must #TurnItAround The Music industry is It is with great conviction that
for people and planet already making a difference the UN SDG Action Campaign
collaborates with the music
Marina Ponti, Director of United Nations and the SDGs are our Long before COVID, the music
industry and welcomes this Guide
framework for action
SDG Global Action Campaign industry began incorporating the
to bring together the Music
The COVID‑19 pandemic has SDGs into its business models
industry, culture, and arts – one
affected the lives of people by addressing its environmental
of the worst‑hit by the pandemic
everywhere and forced us to look footprint; striving to address its
– in a more sustainable, just,
at the world with different eyes. own systemic gender inequalities
and equal recovery by providing
We have had to truly reinvent and connecting its huge platforms
good examples that can be
the way we work, interact with for a more just and equal society.
scaled and built upon moving
each other and adjust to the Examples range from the
forward, a guiding light for others
major shifts the world is facing. first‑ever gender equal line‑up to
to follow. This Guide is the
Yet despite the hardships, even zero‑waste and more accessible
first step to developing a SDG
when faced with lockdowns events, to zero‑tolerance
music network to bring together
and grief, the world came against discrimination. Artists
like‑minded individuals and
together to support each other donated their platforms and
organisations to unite and upscale
and celebrate their common encouraged their fans to adopt
their efforts to make music and
experiences through song. This is more sustainable lifestyles, to act
culture a driver of the Goals.
the power of music, it can raise against racism and inequalities,
our spirits, heal us, and create a and to support solidarity We must make this year a turning
sense of collective belonging. measures. The Music industry can point for people and the planet in
create an enabling environment all aspects of our lives, and work
With every challenge comes for people that provoke debates, towards an inclusive, just, and
opportunity. The world is educate, and drive ideas and equal world for all. Together we
learning from these lessons, actions to raise awareness can – and will – turn it around.
and via global solidarity and of individual responsibility
partnerships we go back to work aligned with the Goals.
to turn things around for people
and the planet, calling for a An open‑source guide
transformative societal shift. The for a more sustainable
Sustainable Development Goals music industry
embody this transformation. Marina Ponti,
The music industry, much like Director of United Nations
And to achieve them, every
the UN SDG Action Campaign’s SDG Global Action Campaign
one of us has a part to play.
mandate – can inspire, connect
and mobilize people all over
the world. It is a natural ally to
accelerate the SDGs, and with
Photo: © UNICEF/NIGB2010-0199/Pirozzi this Guide, provide an entry
point to fully align with the SDG
framework of transformation.
4 5
The last years have seen many the IMC and EMC are embedded The IMC and EMC are happy
initiatives and good practices in the IMC’s 5 Music Rights that to collaborate and to share
highlighting the nexus between support the achievement of many experience and ideas on future
the SDGs and the cultural SDGs as we strive to ensure the endeavours. There is a need for
sector in Europe such as the right for all children and adults creating new narratives on how
Voices of Culture, a dialogue to express themselves musically culture and here in particular how
with the European Commission, in all freedom, to learn musical music, with its three dimensions
on “Culture and the SDGs: languages and skills and to have – artistic, social and economic
Challenges and Opportunities” access to musical involvement – can help UN Member States
in which the EMC with 44 other through participation, listening, strive for a better and more
cultural organisations participated creation, and information. In sustainable world by 2030.
and produced a report with addition, the right for all musical
policy recommendations and artists to develop their artistry
best practice examples on how and communicate through all
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Marco Lissoni
culture can support the SDGs media, with proper facilities at
along with why culture should their disposal and to obtain just
be a stand‑alone SDG post and fair recognition for their work.
Silja Fischer, Simone Dudt and Ruth Jakobi, 2030. IMC and EMC joined These values are reflected Silja Fischer,
forces with seven other cultural Secretary General of the
European Music Council and International Music Council networks to implement SHIFT,
throughout this guide which
International Music Council
demonstrates the importance
a project on how to achieve of the IMC 5 Music Rights and
three of the 17 SDGs through how the SDGs can reinforce and
cultural leadership, co‑funded support the work of the music
The 17 Sustainable Music Council (EMC) by the Erasmus+ programme sector. The IMC and EMC highly
Development Goals (SDGs) have been advocating of the European Union. welcome the initiative of the
were adopted in 2015 as a for the recognition of These initiatives complement Center for Music Ecosystems to
Simone Dudt,
common goal and vision to culture as the 4th pillar of each other and take a different connect each of the SDGs to the
Secretary General of the
“end poverty, protect the development together with angle on how the cultural world of music and thereby bring
European Music Council
planet and improve the lives other cultural organisations sector can contribute to the together like‑minded networks
and prospects of everyone, and networks, it is of sustainable agenda and this is to unite and upscale their efforts
also reflected in this SDG guide. to make music and culture an
everywhere” to be achieved utmost importance to
essential part and a stand‑alone
by all UN Member States stress the role of the The International Music Council
goal of the SDGs in the future.
by 2030. Although arts cultural (and music) sector was founded upon request of
and culture have not been as a driver and enabler for UNESCO in 1949 and as such
attributed a specific goal, achieving the SDGs. has its origins in the belief that
music can be a driver for peace Ruth Jakobi,
it is clear that the cultural Your Guide to Music Secretary General of the
and social cohesion. Together
and music sector have a and the SDGs is a great with its regional groups, among European Music Council
key role in achieving more initiative from the music which the EMC represents
sustainable societies. While industry to show how music Europe, it gives equal value and
the International Music stakeholders can support respect to all musical cultures
Council (IMC) and European a more sustainable world. of the world. The core values of
6 7
Executive Summary
2020 demonstrated how
powerful music is to the
human psyche, spirit
and condition. In April, it Photo: © Adobe Stock/David Tran
was violinists and choral
singers entertaining But music, both as a vocation and
as an economy, is misunderstood.
framework or driver of equality
is that there is no global policy
music to improve people and
the planet. It is meant to be
Music education, despite having language that recognises, explains comprehensive, but not didactic.
their neighbours on widespread social, cultural and
pedagogical benefits, is not
and demonstrates the role of
music as an ecosystem that
These examples are some of the
story, but not all of it. Music is
Italian balconies. widespread or written into every
national curriculum framework.
intertwines all of us, no matter
where we are. There are few
too fluid, too universal to capture
in one report. But let’s start here.
In some countries, there is no demonstrable links between music If we incorporate music into
regulatory framework to protect, and human development in how each SDG and better recognise
It shone through both online and offline, monetise and track intellectual policies are implemented, despite and develop policies about how
from virtual concerts in Fortnite to property, so those who pursue both scientific and anecdotal music can meet the Global Goals,
successful charity appeals to help struggling music professionally can be paid evidence demonstrating music’s we will all be better off. As we
for their work. Musicians are the power. Anything that can invest in our future, let’s take
artists and music venues in the UK and first gig economy workers – this unite millions of us, no matter greater advantage of something
Europe. Music is something we all share. is where the word came from – what we look like or what we that has proven to unify, provide
a need and bring us together.
We are all born with an instrument – our and around the world, pursuing believe in should be harnessed
a career in music, or another in all situations – from urban
voices, our hands. We can all feel music. performing art, is not taken as settlement design to fighting
This report is the inaugural
publication of the Center for
It is transversal, universal, in all of us. seriously as other subjects, such for equality, protecting our
Music Ecosystems, a new global
as science or engineering. But planet or driving purpose‑based
NGO dedicated to research
what if music disappeared? The corporate decision making.
and education to demonstrate
world went silent. No concerts. how investing in music improves
This guide – linking each of the
No YouTube. No Spotify. communities all over the world.
UN’s Sustainable Development
Maybe if that happened, music
Goals (herein referred to as
would be deemed essential.
the Global Goals) to music and
The reason that music often providing actionable examples of
struggles to be provided the music’s power in delivering the
investment, policy framework and Global Goals, is an introduction to
attention that it deserves as a the power of music ecosystems,
development tool, educational as told through the ability of
8 9
Chapter 1
The Role
of Music in
realising the
Sustainable
Development
Goals
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Bernard Bodo
10 11
Music makes lives better.
It creates jobs. It improves
literacy. It heals divisions.
It brings people together.
It is our global language. It leads politicians into
We all speak music. It rallies and town halls.
is also one of the most It soundtracks metro
consumed forms of culture stations, research stations
and art in the world. It is and radio stations. Nearly
ubiquitous, so much so 40,000 songs are added
we often do not realise to Spotify each day.1 As
we’re listening to it when a business it grew by 9%
it is on. Music influences last year, including double
our mood. It amps us up digit growth in India, China
when we’re cheering for and across Africa. It is
our favourite sports team. still set to double as an
industry by 2025, even
factoring in the impact
Introduction
of the pandemic.2 It is
everywhere. It is everyone.
Music is in and about all
of us. It is transversal.
12 Introduction Introduction 13
B
ut the value that Because music produces a being everywhere – at receptions, and Local Governments’ Culture
music brings different meaning for all of us, soundtracking meetings and and the Global Goals, is one
to humanity we unintentionally ignore its promotional videos – its impact example and is an influence – and
economically, socially benefits and lack the capacity is absent. Having a band perform a guide – of this report. But again,
to deliberately and intentionally at a reception is admirable, this is an example of a singular
and culturally is
utilise its powers and impact. so long as they are paid. But initiative, however noble, trying
misunderstood. Many
so often, these receptions to solve a systemic problem.
countries lack effective There is no intergovernmental
are held in countries that lack
intellectual property understanding of the complete, There is a role for music to play
music education frameworks.
registrars, so local holistic, transformative power of in each of the Global Goals.
This is because how music is
music. There is no music policy From the global commercial
creators, musicians, defined and as a result, utilised
at the United Nations, World industry inspiring people across
producers and engineers Bank, IMF or other institutions.
as a tool to make the world
cultures, creating influential stars
who write, perform and There is recognition, for example
better, has not been outlined.
and bringing people together
produce cannot be paid through UN’s International That stops now. physically and virtually, to the
for their property like Year of the Creative Economy simple act of learning to play an
other rights holders. The or UNESCO’s robust Cities of A turning point for instrument at a young age, to
value of a piece of music Music program, but these are the Global Goals. deploying the restorative power
differs wildly, depending single examples, not a holistic, This report aims to bring together of music to support healthy
on where you are, who overarching policy framework. The the universal language of music aging, to ensuring building
you are, where you’re role of music – as an industrial with the universal language of codes are robust so people can
mechanism, as a vocation, as a sustainability and development, live in thriving entertainment
listening and how you’re
rehabilitative tool, as a poverty the United Nations Sustainable districts and still be able to get
listening. Music can be
eradicator, as an equaliser and Development Goals, or Global a good night sleep, music can
unifying or divisive. It can a women’s empowerment tool – help meet the Global Goals.
Goals (as this document will refer
lead politicians into power, remains undefined. The personal to them as). With 191 countries But we need these languages
or land them in jail. It can connection of music – I like my ratifying the Global Goals, a – music and sustainable
restore rights, or restrict music over your music – tends code and framework to guide development – to communicate.
them. It is an incredibly to dominate decisions made to sustainable development has Everyone can use music
powerful tool to lead, include music in policy, leading grown to influence development
to ephemeral initiatives to solve to improve the world. If
influence and empower, arrangements and contractual
endemic, permanent problems. obligations of donors and
music is a part of your life
if in the right hands.
grantees. Yes, culture is seen as now, it is improving your
One large concert to end poverty
transversal – a part of all Global world. Simple changes and
is admirable, but without the
appropriate education, rights, Goals and as a result, there have a wider understanding of Photo: © Adobe Stock/Gennadiy Poznyakov
infrastructure and other policies been guides produced to better music as an ecosystem
to support it, music will not understand the role culture can will create global change.
provide the power it can to play in meeting the largest, most
support eradicating poverty. In transformative, most urgent
global development, despite music issues of our time. United Cities
14 Introduction Introduction 15
What are the Global Goals? Why Music?
I M
n 2015, world usic has the experiences on our high streets raise money for LandAid.10 It is
leaders agreed power to lift to make them more welcoming7 an opportunity to create skills,
to 17 Sustainable people out of or inserted into iconic locations revenue and self worth in a South
Development Goals, also poverty, drive creativity, to enliven public squares and African township,11 or business
avenues around the world.8 Music management skills in Cambodia.12
known as Global Goals, for create jobs and bolster
soundtracks squares from Nairobi
a better world by 2030. education. The music In order to better utilise music’s
to Abu Dhabi, Buenos Aires to
The Global Goals have the industry is in a period value around the world, we
Vancouver. This has not changed,
power to end poverty, fight of significant growth. must link its impact specifically
despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
inequality and address the to each of the Global Goals.
Despite the pandemic, global Music is our universal language. This is what the next section
urgency of climate change. consultant PwC says that after We all speak it, wherever we of this report attempts to do,
Guided by the Goals, it the global live music business are and whatever we look like. providing specific, actionable
is now up to all of us, shed $18 billion USD in value In Fargo, North Dakota, it is strategies and accompanying
governments, businesses, in 2020, a reduction of 64%, a tool for police officers to case studies to how music can
civil society and the recovery will be quick. The global promote community unity.9 For help us meet the Global Goals,
general public to work consultant’s outlook analysis for a group of planning consultants if we brought it to the party.
together to build a better 2020-2024 forecasts live music in London, it is an opportunity to
worldwide revenues growing
future for everyone.3
by 82.6%, to over $19 billion, as
The Global Goals are made
concerts resume.4 Goldman Sachs
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Anton Gvozdikov
up of 17 commitments predicts 26% rise in 2021 and
and 169 targets. an 18% increase in 2022, with
compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) at 6% from 2019 to 2030.
Despite the challenges of a year
where music venues were the first
to close and will be last to reopen,
consumption increased 8.2%.5
For example, in 2016, streaming
revenue grew by 334.2% in
South Africa.6 Music’s ubiquity
is fuelling its growth. Streaming
has made accessing music
legally easy and, as a result,
music creators, performers and
copyright holders are benefitting.
At the same time, music is
being used to create new retail
16 Introduction Introduction 17Working With Existing Notes for The Reader
and Supportive Policies
T
his report is meant UNESCO Creative This work aligns with In the report and the This report acknowledges This report is meant to
to complement, Cities Network14 the International Music accompanying 17 Global the opportunities that be collaborative and
not contradict, Many of the examples in the Council's excellent 5 Goals, this report refers Blockchain, NFTs, complementary. All initiatives
existing frameworks that report are taken from initiatives Music Rights campaign to the music ecosystem music rights and the supporting the SDGs through
have been implemented at spearheaded by UNESCO This is a baseline of how – this, as demonstrated in overall diversification music are worth promoting.
all levels of government Creative Cities. We believe these music should be supported in the image below, outlines all of prospective revenue Anyone using music to make
to incorporate culture in initiatives can be the norm, rather all communities, in line with elements of urban settlements opportunities for creators their world better deserves
than the exception and recognise recognising and investing in that music touches – industry, to be heard. This is about
planning, practice and that are emerging – and
the influence this network has music ecosystems. The 5 music education, housing, quality of bringing all of us together
governance. This includes: becoming more available – under a global framework, a
provided for this report. rights are: The right for all life, tourism, supply chains.
UNESCO’s 2005 Convention to musicians and creators better language. We are better
United Cities and Local children and adults to express
on the Diversity of Culture around the world. But without together. Remember that.
themselves musically in all
Governments – Agenda 21 structural government policy
and Expressions13 freedom; to learn music languages This report is far from
for Culture Committee15 that recognises the value of
Incorporating music more into and skills; and to have access comprehensive. We know
UCLG’s document on “Culture music first, these opportunities
the Global Goals supports the to musical involvement through that we haven’t mentioned
in the SDGs: a Guide for Local will not be fully maximised. This
implementation of UNESCO’s participation. listening, creation every amazing initiative linking
Action is the most comprehensive guide is step 1. Recognise, plan
landmark convention and all and information. Plus, the right music to the SDGs. That report
guide that links culture explicitly for and implement policies to
associated programs and for all musical artists to develop is needed, but it is not this
with the Global Goals. This recognise music’s true value.
practices that emerged from it. their artistry and communicate one. This is for those who have
report is meant to follow on Then all the available revenue
through all media, with proper yet to realise the opportunity
from this and complement its and cultural opportunities related
facilities at their disposal; and to in front of them. Yes, you.
objectives and recommendations. to it can be better utilised.
obtain just recognition and fair
remuneration for their work.
COMMUNITY
EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT
TOURISM Music at schools Leadership SPORTS
High school education Public spaces
Music business training Community centers
Professional development Social inclusion and equity
ARTIST/CREATOR
Accessibility
HEALTH &
WELLBEING TECH
LIVE RECORDED
MUSIC
ECOSYSTEM
Photo: © UN Photo/Marco Dormino
How music impacts your city,
HOSPITALITY GOVERNANCE town and place TRANSPORT
MEDIA
Arts councils by Sound Diplomacy
PR
Grant systems
Broadcasting
City planning
Written media
Licenses and ordinances
Digital media
Economic development
Advertising
Legal affairs
Copyright
CREATIVE
INDUSTRIES NIGHTLIFE
18 Introduction Introduction 19Chapter 2
Music and
The Global The 17 Sustainable
Goals Development Goals
to transform our world
Photo: © Adobe Stock/William J. Chizek
20 21The SDGs
A
s of 2015, about Music is a low-cost,
736 million low‑intensive sector to
people still lived work in. We are all born
on less than US$1.90 a with an instrument – our
day.16 According to the voice. If global intellectual
World Bank, the impact property structures were
of COVID-19 could fairer and more robust,
push 150 million people many musicians, producers
into extreme poverty, and engineers would earn
reversing decades of income for their work,
progress.17 Poverty is despite millions lacking
all encompassing. It this access because of
controls all aspects of industrial frameworks, not
Photo: © UN Photo/Kibae Park
one’s life. While including talent. Music is also a tool
music cannot improve to provide a safe space for
access to clean water or children after school. Music
sanitation, a thriving music lifts people up. Strategically
ecosystem can contribute including its needs across
to reducing poverty. global policy to reduce
poverty can help support
SDG #1. As outlined in a
study assessing the impact
of music and dance on
Goal #1: employment opportunities
No Poverty
in Igala, Nigeria, “the social
relevance of language,
music and dance is
profound. It is not only an
abstract art, but as a force
which affects the lives of the
people who acquire it.”18
What is the goal?
End poverty in all
forms everywhere
22 The SDGs The SDGs 23Where Has It Worked?
EL SISTEMA in Venezuela has provided musical
training and performance opportunities to thousands
of impoverished youth since 1970. While not without
its controversies, the concept of El Sistema has been
copied around the world and has demonstrated the
power of music in lifting people out of poverty.19
MUSICIANS IN EXILE is a community project for
asylum seeking and refugee musicians formed by WHICH TARGETS
The Glasgow Barons, an orchestra from the Govan WILL WE MEET?
area of the city. Through city wide flyering in
Kurdish, Arabic, Farsi and English, and direct contact
with agencies such as the Red Cross and Govan
How Can Music Community Project, Musicians in Exile establish
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Delphine Poggianti
Reduce Poverty? relationships with asylum seeking musicians,
offering travel expenses and weekly rehearsal
space donated by Govan Housing Association.20 What Can We Do?
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
EXPANSION MUSICIANS WITHOUT BORDERS
For music to help end poverty, we
A song can support one’s pension Helps register musicians work in conflict areas,
value. If properly registered and to ensure they are remunerated fairly for their must advocate for the following:
managed, it can provide recurring work regardless of living in a country without a ROBUST INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 1.2
revenue for those involved functioning intellectual property infrastructure.21 INFRASTRUCTURE IN EVERY
for 70 years. It doesn’t matter By 2030, reduce at least
COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
where you’re from or what you by half the proportion
In too many places, music remains pirated and of men, women and
look like, music can continue
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Rafael Ben-Ari there is no policy to treat musicians as workers. children of all ages
to earn income, long after the
WIPO, working together with UNDP, UN-Habitat living in poverty in all its
song is written and released.
and others should work to safeguard the creation dimensions according
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT of IP protections in all state industrial strategies. to national definitions.
Treat intellectual property as property.
Music provides additional
after school programs for kids, GLOBALISE AFTER SCHOOL
allowing parents to work later MUSIC PROGRAMS
knowing their kids are safe. 1.4
When building new schools, ensure there’s a
EXPANDING EXPRESSION music room created. Recycle instruments so they By 2030, ensure that
can be given to those who need it most. Use all men and women,
Everyone has a story to tell,
music to fill time, minds and creative hearts. in particular the poor
and that story can often reach
and the vulnerable,
wider audiences through music. GLOBALISE FAIR PLAY
have equal rights to
From Gasolina in Puerto Rico Outlaw secondary ticketing at a profit and economic resources, as
to Moana in Hawaii, or Soul institute fair play schemes at all venues well as access to basic
in the United States music around the world, wherever they are. services, ownership and
provided a lens to introduce a
control over land and
new cultural form to the world.
other forms of property,
Prioritising music education in
inheritance, natural
all areas can lead to more of
resources, appropriate
these breakout cultural hits.
new technology and
financial services,
including microfinance.
24 The SDGs The SDGs 25The SDGs
F
rom Live Aid to We Are The World, music has played
a role in catalysing us to work towards ending
world hunger. While large scale global concerts and
campaigns fronted by celebrities continue to be powerful,
the music ecosystem can provide other solutions to
Goal #2: combating, and ending global hunger. For example, music
Zero Hunger
festivals can become food redistribution centres and
music venues can support urban community gardens.
Photo: © Adobe Stock/kuarmungadd
What is the goal?
End hunger, achieve food
security and improved nutrition
and promote sustainable
agriculture
26 The SDGs The SDGs 27How Can Music End What Can We Do?
World Hunger?
For music to help end global hunger,
we must advocate for the following:
AWARENESS
It is common for large scale BETTER PARTNERSHIPS
concerts to be staged to raise From ensuring there’s pantry distribution at concerts
awareness towards global and arenas, to better recycling surplus food at music
hunger or inequality. This has venues, any place that hosts live music can also
been ongoing for decades. support local food pantries or community groups.
But the surface has barely
been scratched. Any country TURN STADIUMS INTO GARDENS
with a football stadium can From Fenway Park in Boston to Florida’s St.
host a concert of this type. Augustine Amphitheatre, there are open large plots
of land, from back areas to rooftops, that can be
FOOD REDISTRIBUTION monetised and turned into community assets by
AT CONCERTS converting them into gardens. Most cities around
Through partnerships with the world have stadiums; whether they are in
grocers and caterers, unused food use or not, that infrastructural footprint can be
earmarked for live events – be it utilised to accommodate community gardens.
through concessions or backstage
– can be recycled into the local
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Brad
supply chain to provide meals
for those who need it. Ensuring
all concerts, large and small, Where Has It Worked?
employ a no waste policy for food Photo: © Alice Clarke
can create civic opportunities WHICH TARGETS
to feed those who need it. GLOBAL CITIZEN WILL WE MEET?
We have a long standing tradition of large concerts
being used as fundraisers to fight famine and global 2.1
hunger. Global Citizen is the largest such example at
present, hosting stadium sized concerts to combat End hunger, achieve food
hunger, inequality and violence against women.22 security and improved
nutrition and promote
ST. AUGUSTINE AMP URBAN GARDEN sustainable agriculture.
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre in Florida has 2.2
created its own urban farm, powered by the waste By 2030, end all forms
generated on the site. The fruits and vegetables of malnutrition, including
are used to cater to artists and their entourage, but achieving, by 2025, the
there’s enough additional produce that a number internationally agreed
of deliveries are made each week to both homeless targets on stunting and
shelters and schools. Children are also welcomed on wasting in children under
site to learn about putting on a concert and urban 5 years of age, and
Photo: © UN Photo/Albert Gonzalez Farran
gardening, improving their relationship with food. address the nutritional
This could be replicated at venues, stadiums and needs of adolescent girls,
other large, public‑facing infrastructure, to improve pregnant and lactating
community engagement and access to food. women and older persons.
STREAMING TO END FOOD POVERTY
This also works virtually. In the UK, the appeal
#LiveForLove raised over £39,000 ($46,000
USD) for food banks, raising awareness of the
nation’s chronic food poverty challenges.23
28 The SDGs The SDGs 29The SDGs
A
number of studies point to the positive impact
that music has on our health and wellbeing.
This has been true for thousands of years.
From a tribal dance to welcome a guest into a village
to celebrating weddings or mourning funerals, music
Goal #3: impacts how we feel towards each other, how we
Good
communicate and how we get along. But music has
far wider reaching impacts. Learning music is proven
to improve early childhood cognition. Studying music
improves one's performance in science and maths. Music
slows the onset of dementia and is an effective treatment
Health and
for the disease. Music helps millions of us exercise. Yet.
music is tangential, a passive participant to our health
and wellbeing policies. Most countries are not socially
prescribing music. It is not a mandatory topic throughout
education. There are few music programs in senior and
Wellbeing
care facilities. Few large firms have music in the workplace
policies. Active, direct and intentional music use vastly
improves our health and wellbeing. It is time to assign
specific SDG indicators to music, and work on developing
international policies to promote, mandate and utilise the
power of music. But try exercising without music. It’s hard.
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Rawpixel.com
What is the goal?
Ensure healthy lives and promote
well‑being for all at all ages
30 The SDGs The SDGs 31How Can Music What Can We Do?
WHICH TARGETS
Impact Good Health WILL WE MEET?
and Wellbeing? For music to help promote health and wellbeing,
we must advocate for the following:
IT CAN HELP US LIVE LONGER MUSIC AND SOCIETY POLICIES WORLDWIDE
According to a South African In the UK, the House of Lords conducted an enquiry into music in
study, “Attending a live music society, exploring the role of music on aging, education, economic
gig once a fortnight for only 20 development and urban regeneration. A briefing paper was produced
minutes increases a person's to begin to explore the holistic impact music has on society, and
well‑being by 21% and can add how it can be incorporated into other government policies. These
up to nine years to your life.”24 solutions can align with SDG #3 and be used as a template for
any government to outline, clearly, the impact music can have on
IT CAN REDUCE STRESS society, to begin to take the steps to ensuring they happen.28
3.8
According to a study by the
MUSIC PROGRAMS IN ALL SENIOR & CARE FACILITIES Achieve universal health
National Institute of Health
in the United States in 2013, Initiatives like Music in Care Homes in the UK or Singing for Seniors coverage including
“Music listening has been should be introduced across intergovernmental organisations, as financial risk protection,
suggested to beneficially impact all nations are facing an aging crisis, a care crisis and a cost crisis. access to quality essential
health via stress‑reducing Music can slow other costly degenerative issues, such as reduced health‑care services and
effects...Its findings indicate brain function, dementia or loneliness. A weekly concert, community access to safe, effective,
that music listening impacted choir and engaged music program can be rolled out anywhere, to quality and affordable
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Chekunov Alexandr
the psychobiological stress anyone, and it can significantly improve the health and wellbeing essential medicines
system. Listening to music for those of us now living in senior or other care facilities. and vaccines for all.
prior to a standardized stressor PARTNERSHIPS WITH INSURERS AND PHONE PROVIDERS
predominantly affected the
In the UK, some insurance firms are providing discounts
autonomic nervous system (in
for customers that prove they go to the gym every 3.D
terms of a faster recovery), and to
week (presumably music plays a role in that).
a lesser degree the endocrine and Strengthen the capacity of
psychological stress response.
Where Has It Worked? INCORPORATE MUSIC AND WELLBEING INTO COVID RECOVERY all countries, in particular
The evidence is there. Music can improve mental health, increase developing countries,
confidence and support interpersonal behavioural development. The for early warning,
MUSIC IN THE WORKPLACE WEEK (UK) more music programs available to everyone as lockdown eases will risk reduction and
Music At Work Week was launched in 2019 support wider community cohesion, no matter where one lives. management of national
in the UK. Its aim is (i) to increase awareness and global health risks.
regarding the health effects of music and
(ii) to encourage employers to embed it in
workplaces to enhance employee experience
and wellbeing. A number of large employers,
including Sennheiser and Gibson supported it.25
THE NEW NOTE ORCHESTRA
A collaborative orchestra organised to support
people recovering from substance abuse programs.
This led to the creation of the Addict’s Symphony,
as well as a number of other programs directly
linking music to supporting those recovering
from alcohol and drug dependency.26
ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA are teaching online
classes using breathing techniques to support long
Photo: © UNICEF/UNI317998/Choufany
COVID sufferers. Sopranos are helping sufferers.27
32 The SDGs The SDGs 33The SDGs
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Monkey Business
T
here are over It is not mandatory, nor
20 benefits to developed from neonatal
providing quality care through to high school.
music education, from From the UK to the USA,
the start to the end of Germany to Australia,
life. Listening to certain music education is in crisis.
types of music, including In the developing world,
classical (Beethoven is it is not formalised and
a favourite) encourages left to community groups
Goal #4: brain development from or cultural tradition. In
the second trimester.29 addition, the types of music
Quality
Music helps develop featured in education are
language and reasoning a sampling of the types of
skills, the ability to work, music available for children
collaborate and play well to learn and experiment
Education
with others and develop with. Despite hip‑hop and
the patience to solve metal being the two most
complex problems,30 which popular genres in the world,
can be translated across few countries teach them.31
other STEM subjects. Western classical music
Music also teaches is prioritised, even though
empathy, as participating merely one of thousands
in a musical exercise of genres. The cognitive
What is the goal? development benefits of
opens one up to others,
Ensure inclusive and equitable unlike other subjects. But music can create a smarter,
quality education and music remains a nice to fairer, more just world.
promote lifelong learning have across our global
education framework.
opportunities for all
34 The SDGs The SDGs 35Where Has It Worked?
WHICH TARGETS
WILL WE MEET?
BRADFORD UK
A failing school in Bradford increased their music
education provision by six hours. The school
improved its overall performance as a result.35
According to The Guardian: Seven years ago
Feversham was in special measures and making
headlines for all the wrong reasons. Today it is
rated “good” by Ofsted and is in the top 10%
nationally for pupil progress in reading, writing
and maths, according to the most recent data.”36
INCREASED PERFORMANCE IN 4.4
How Can Music MATHS AND READING
Photo: © UN Photo/Albert González Farran
By 2030, substantially
According to a University of Kansas study
Provide Quality published in 2020, a study of 1000 students
increase the number of
Education? from mixed backgrounds, ethnicities and income What Can We Do?
youth and adults who
have relevant skills,
levels in Kansas City found that including
including technical and
music education in their curriculum improved
MUSIC EDUCATION vocational skills, for
their results in maths and reading.37 For music to help ensure quality education
IMPROVES ALL EDUCATION employment, decent jobs
PXP EMBASSY & FESTIVAL (GER) for all we must advocate for the following: and entrepreneurship.
A study by the Kauffman
Foundation demonstrated those The PXP Festival, which stands for Peace by Peace MANDATE AND FUNDING FOR
engaged in music improved has grown to become Europe’s largest festival MUSIC EDUCATION GLOBALLY
their standing in science, directly linked to benefitting and supporting
A global opportunity to improve knowledge
maths and technology. Music underprivileged children through programming, 4.7
exchange, cognition and community
complements all subjects.32 advocacy and funding for children.38 By 2030, ensure that
empowerment would be to mandate and
fund the expansion of mandatory music all learners acquire the
MUSIC STRENGTHENS
education at every school, everywhere. knowledge and skills
THE BRAIN
needed to promote
If the brain is a muscle, then TEACHING WHAT PEOPLE LISTEN TO sustainable development,
learning to play an instrument The world’s most listened to genre is hip‑hop. The including, among others,
and read music is the ultimate second most listened to is metal. Both are rarely through education for
exercise, according to the incorporated into the classroom. Expanding the sustainable development
University of Southern California.33 genres available to children to learn and experiment and sustainable lifestyles,
MUSIC IMPROVES OUR
with trains the brain more vigorously, which will human rights, gender
create a wider appreciation for arts and culture, equality, promotion
MEMORY AND VERBAL
which can positively impact how we can understand, of a culture of peace
INTELLIGENCE
and empathise with, other cultures, stories and and non‑violence,
According to the Washington histories. If only Israeli and Palestinian citizens global citizenship
Post, “Musical training has shown utilised their shared musical heritage as an olive and appreciation of
to lead to improvements in a wide branch, more people would talk, rather than fight. cultural diversity and of
variety of different skills, including
culture’s contribution to
memory and spatial learning for EXPAND MUSIC EDUCATION AT SCHOOLS
sustainable development.
example. In addition, language IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
skills such as verbal memory, By recognising that teaching music and singing
literacy and verbal intelligence is not just about music, but about interpersonal
have been shown to strongly communication, literacy, maths and reading,
benefit from musical training.”34 including music in educational programs in
developing countries will support all education
targets, not just teach children how to play music.
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Monkey Business
36 The SDGs The SDGs 37The SDGs
M
usic is a powerful over the past three years
tool to promote were produced by women.40
gender equality. Change is in infancy and
From assembling choirs not happening fast enough,
and school bands to but the impact music can
marching bands and have holistically to promote,
community dances, to and deliver, gender equality
promoting equality in is enormous. Music, as
the commercial music a unifying artform, has
industry, music can be a immense power, The more
Goal #5: leading force in ensuring women on and off stage we
Gender
we level the gender gap. all see, the more it codifies,
The music industry is and normalises, how it
improving, but there’s should be, rather than how
much work to be done. it is. Promoting gender
Only 16% of registered equality in music promotes
Equality
songwriters are women, and equality throughout
in 2018, over 80% of festival society. It creates mutual
headliners were men or respect across genres,
male‑led bands.39 Only 2% increased opportunities
of the top 400 songs in the for women and can lead to
North American charts widespread gender equality.
What is the goal?
Achieve gender equality and
empower all women and girls Photo: © UN Photo/Betsy Davis
38 The SDGs The SDGs 39Photo: © UN Photo/John Isaac
How Can Music What Can We Do?
Achieve Gender
Equality? For music to help achieve available. If a university teaches
gender equality we must music production, for example,
advocate for the following: introducing a program that
ENSURING ALL GIRLS
reduces the cost or provides
ARE ENROLLED IN MONITOR GENDER BALANCE additional relief for women could
MUSIC EDUCATION ACROSS ALL MUSIC create a wider talent pool.
It promotes self worth, confidence INDUSTRY SECTORS
and equality in the classroom. STAMP OUT ALL
In some sectors of the music
This is what can reverse the HARASSMENT
industry, the amount of women
reality that women composers working alongside men needs This goes without saying. The
in major concert halls around significant improvement. Creating music industry operates both a
the USA presented on 1.3% of glass ceiling and a glass corridor.
content during the 2016-2017 Where Has It Worked? a sector wide international gender
Men must work to ensure
monitor for the music industry can
season, while only 10% of the provide more detailed information anything they are involved in
works by living composers to increase female participation engages equally across gender.
KEYCHANGE
were by women.41 Only 14.4% across the sector, and open up If all harassment doesn’t
of all living songwriters in Keychange is an international initiative, funded stop, nothing will change.
a wider array of employment
pop and commercial music through the Creative Europe Programme of the
opportunities. Further monitoring MAKE YOUR VOICE
are female and only 2.6% of European Union, to work to transform the future
should be extended to include
producers are women.42 Starting of music whilst encouraging festivals and music HEARD THROUGH YOUR
LGBTQI+, transgendered, queer,
early, for all women, can reap organisations to include at least 50% women and CONSUMER CHOICES
no binary and BIPOC communities.
rewards long into the future. under-represented genders in programming, staffing If a festival does not have a
and beyond.44 The program supports capacity PROVIDE MORE gender equal bill, don’t go. If
ENGAGING MORE WOMEN IN building for 74 participants a year and so far has EDUCATIONAL a company does not address
THE MUSIC ECOSYSTEM seen hundreds of companies sign the pledge. OPPORTUNITIES FOR negative behaviour, do not
can help reduce sexism and Large music festivals like Reeperbahn Festival and WOMEN IN MUSIC purchase from them. Often Photo: © Adobe Stock/Jacob Lund
gender bias, by featuring women Iceland Airwaves have committed to gender‑equal financial penalties are the only
There are extensive music
in the same capacity as men line‑ups, demonstrating that conscious programming penalties that work. This is
education programs around
across music performance, can create engaging, sellable festival line‑ups. especially pertinent, as according
the world. However, there is
production and education – to the UNDP, gender equal firms
SHESAID.SO little dedication to providing
on and off stage. If taken as “are seen as socially responsible,
scholarships, internships and
a deliberate, intentional aim, SheSaid.So is a global network of women in achieve greater efficiency and
apprenticeships for women to
it works. Iceland, who have the music industry. Set up by former MixCloud better personnel performance,
pursue all avenues of working
compulsory gender equality employee Andreea Magdalina, SheSaid.So has have more committed employees,
across the music industry.
roles, are one of the most grown to have 13 global chapters and thousands and improve hiring and their public
There is no single source – be
successful music exporting of members. The network hosts events, talks image. In fact, many companies
it nation by nation – offering
countries, compared to the and capacity building sessions and operates a also become more profitable.”45
a list of all opportunities
level of population. Sweden, network of female producers, sound engineers 5.A
another country that mandates and composers to increase the amount of women
working in song production. It also operates a By 2030, Undertake
all girls (and boys and gender WHICH TARGETS
Spotify playlist and hosts female‑fronted radio reforms to give women
fluid children) have access to WILL WE MEET?
shows in each of the markets it is active in. It’s a equal rights to economic
music education, are the world’s 5.5
powerful voice for women in the music industry. resources, as well as
2nd largest music exporter.43
Ensure women’s full and access to ownership and
They are only one of three
MANY MORE INITIATIVES effective participation control over land and
countries (United States and
Over the past few years, a number of initiatives and equal opportunities other forms of property,
United Kingdom) that export
have emerged around the world to ensure women for leadership at all financial services,
more music than they import.
have equal access to music opportunities. They levels of decision making inheritance and natural
include Women in Music chapters, Womxn in in political, economic resources, in accordance
CTRL in the UK, Girl Gang Music, Girls Rock and and public life. with national laws.
Book More Women. The more the merrier.
40 The SDGs The SDGs 41The SDGs
W
e need to look installed for festivals, such
at the impact as the Dranouter Festival
that music and in Belgium.48 In 2017,
cultural festivals can have WaterAid partnered with
on creating innovative music festivals to create a
practices to improve ‘Toilet of Dreams”, to raise
Goal #6: local infrastructure. money to provide water
Clean
This includes providing infrastructure projects at
solutions that increase Glastonbury.49 Canada’s
access to clean Waterkeeper Alliance has
water, sanitation and utilised music ambassadors
civic infrastructure to promote the need to
Water and
around the world. preserve wetlands, for
This is accomplished in example, through their
two ways – advocacy SPLASH events series.50 In
and invention. In terms this case, the music sector
Sanitation
of advocacy, a number of is not unique, but it can
music festivals have been lead by example. The water
launched that explicitly it uses can be reduced;
promote clean water sanitation solutions –
initiatives, such as the primarily at festivals
H2‑OH Festival.46 Profiled in – can lead by example
UCLG’s Culture in the SDGs: and be incorporated into
A Guide for Local Action permanent projects in
document, Reading Festival outside communities. And
in the UK uses music and creating greater awareness
other art and community and strategy around
activities to engage the advocacy, so solutions
community in water can be codified into policy,
conservation efforts.47 are as much the music
This work goes back over ecosystem’s responsibility
a decade, with wastewater as any other sector.
management systems
What is the goal?
Ensure availability and
sustainable management of
water and sanitation for all
42 The SDGs The SDGs 43How Can Music Where Has It Worked?
Help Provide
Clean Water? CLEAN WATER MUSIC FESTIVAL
In Ponte Vedra, Florida, the Clean Water Music
MOBILE WATER FILTRATION Festival has raised over $125,000 between 2012
UNITS CAN BE TESTED and 2015 for clean water initiatives in Northern
IN FESTIVALS Florida. The initiative has led to wells being dug
in Rwanda and Burundi and clean water provided
Or new sanitation techniques,
to dozens of villages. While the event ceased
including converting human
trading in 2016, it demonstrates an example
waste to power. A festival is
of how music can be a powerful tool to raise
a mini‑settlement, one that
awareness towards providing clean water.
requires setting up and taking
down in a week. From an JULIE’S BICYCLE
Photo: © UNICEF/Hasan
infrastructure perspective, there Julie’s Bicycle is a UK nonprofit that provides
may be similarities between music sustainability consultancy for UK and European
festivals (those in rural areas and music companies. It operates a Going Green
fields) and displacement camps; Charter and allows companies to monitor their
clean water, sewage, electricity environmental impacts. This includes using excess
and other needs must be provided water, poor recycling or waste management.
to a large number of people in as
efficient a manner as possible. A GREENER FESTIVAL
A Greener Festival is a global organisation bringing
MAJESTIC WATERWORKS What Can We Do?
BANNING PLASTIC WATER This Denver-based organization designed portable
together solutions‑oriented providers that work with
BOTTLES AT FESTIVALS water tree structures that could be temporarily
festivals to reduce all impacts, including clean water. For music to help ensure clean
By limiting single use plastic water installed for mass gatherings where people
They offer a simple guide to water sustainability
bottles at festivals and setting up can refill their water bottles to decrease waste water and sanitation for all we must
on their website, available to all festivals.52
filtration stations, music festivals created by single-use plastics. While first used advocate for the following:
can lead by example to raise VIVA CON AGUA DE ST. PAULI at music festivals through the state of Colorado
GO TO FESTIVALS AND MUSIC VENUES THAT
awareness about water wastage. An NGO from Hamburg using music, sports and and the U.S., during the covid-19 pandemic
In addition, adding on a small they were installed in collaboration with local MONITOR AND MANAGE THEIR IMPACTS
arts for drinking water projects in the 3rd world.53
levy for those who break the governments and humanitarian organizations By prioritising, promoting and attending concerts
ban can direct necessary funding to provide safe hand-washing and sanitation and festivals that monitor and manage their
to clean water and sanitation stations for people experiencing homelessness. impacts, it will encourage those that are not
projects. The largest festivals in yet engaged in the practice to do so.
the UK and Europe have done Photo: © UNICEF/UN067453/Souleiman
this, with some, including Live
Nation, trialling plant‑based
WHICH TARGETS 6.B
water bottles as an alternative.51
WILL WE MEET?
6.4 Support and strengthen
By 2030, substantially the participation of
increase water‑use local communities in
efficiency across all improving water and
sectors and ensure sanitation management.
sustainable withdrawals
and supply of freshwater
to address water scarcity
and substantially
reduce the number
of people suffering
from water scarcity.
44 The SDGs The SDGs 45The SDGs
Photo: © Adobe Stock/Purple Moon
L
Goal #7: ike any sector According to a joint study by
Affordable
that refines the Universities of Oslo and
natural resources Glasgow, researchers found
to produce a saleable the estimation of storing
product, the music music for the United States
industry is a substantial alone produced between
and Clean
consumer of energy. 200 and 350 million
From the global touring kilograms of greenhouse gas
market to the energy cost equivalents.54 Furthermore,
to maintain servers that the cost of refining oil to
Energy
hold all the data so we can produce vinyl is high, as it
stream any song we want, requires the production of
the music industry supply PvC. But there are solutions
chain is a significant in the music industry that
energy user. The energy could be applied to other
cost of music is high. sectors that increase energy
efficiency, reduce costs
and provide models that
can support the delivery of
What is the goal? sustainable energy for all.
Ensure access to affordable,
reliable, sustainable and modern
energy for all
46 The SDGs The SDGs 47How Can Music Where Has It Worked?
Ensure Access
to Affordable, FUTURE ENERGY ARTISTS AUSTRALIA
Reliable, Sustainable A number of Australian artists, including Cloud
and Modern Cult, Midnight Oil and Vance Joy have invested
collectively in a solar farm project in Australia,
Energy For All? to help power their local communities but also
invest in new technologies to make their tours
cleaner. Their initiative is called FEAT (Future
LEADING BY EXAMPLE IN
Energy Artists). According to the project, “FEAT.
REGARDS TO EVENTS
says the 34.55‑megawatt Brigalow solar farm
As the COVID‑19 pandemic moves could power the equivalent of 11,300 homes
from triage to recovery, the desire for 30 years. (Looked at another way, it could
to return to sweaty bars, music generate more than 2,000 Cloud Control tours
venues and festivals for live music in renewable energy.) That energy is then sold
will be significant. Prioritising WHICH TARGETS
into the energy market, with a target return
renewable energy in all initiatives WILL WE MEET?
on investment for artists of 5% a year.”55
– from brick and mortar venues,
recording studios and rehearsal THE EUROPEAN INITIATIVE FOR
spaces, to prioritising renewables UPSCALING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN
at live events and festivals must THE MUSIC EVENT INDUSTRY
become the norm as we move They achieved a total of 17890 tons of Co2
into post COVID‑19 recovery. reduction, by engaging with over 2200 stakeholders
to monitor their energy consumption.56
Photo: © Adobe Stock/DWP
What Can We Do? 7.2
By 2030, increase
substantially the share
For music to help ensure access to clean of renewable energy in
energy, we must advocate for the following: the global energy mix.
SOLAR PANELS ON MUSIC VENUES CAN
PROVIDE CHEAPER POWER FOR NEIGHBOURS
Any music venue that can support solar panels
should be invited to instal them, at a discount or for
a tax incentive, with the purpose of selling excess
energy back to the grid to discount neighbours
energy costs. A network of energy producing
venues could reduce energy bills, and emissions, 7.3
of their neighbours over a period of time.
By 2030, double the global
FESTIVAL INFRASTRUCTURE rate of improvement
CAN BE INFRASTRUCTURE in energy efficiency.
Creating community events with permanent
infrastructure, such as wells, solar panels
and renewable grids can support those
living close to the sites throughout the year,
rather than just during the event itself.
Photo: © UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz
48 The SDGs The SDGs 49You can also read
