Investment in music spaces

While I welcome submissions that call for more cultural institutions and amenities for the town I do feel a blind spot in this area is our lack of musical services which, if addressed, could play a huge part in fostering a vibrant local music scene that then has positive knock-on effects for tourism, local business, young people and our collective sense of identity as a town. 

As it stands, the people of Ballina have shown their enthusiasm for music through the huge success of events such as RTÉ's Other Voices. Likewise, projects such as the Core at the Ballina Art Centre show the volume of young talent in Ballina and it's surrounding areas. However, we could be doing much more to make this town a place where music is played, produced, and encouraged.

Firstly, I acknowledge that the Ballina Art Centre is a fantastic facility for live performance. Nevertheless, the town needs more small scale music venues to cater for a more diverse range of audiences. Rather than spreading thin the audience, I feel this would actually breed an appetite for culture in the town, from which all cultural institutions may benefit. 

Secondly, purpose built rehearsal spaces are needed for local musicians of all ages who do not have access to adequate facilities. Rehearsal spaces which included some kind of common area (lounge/ cafe area) would also provide a vital meeting point for local musicans, many of whom (from my experience) find it very hard to make musical connections in the town. 

There is an incredible relationship between music and place and how music can not only represent a place, but also become a contributor to the identity and culture of the area. If we focus hard on fostering our music scene it could have dramatic benifits both economically and socially. I feel it is entirely achievable and stands as a great opportunity going forward to develop services in this area so as to cultivate a vibrant music economy in our community.