Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this data being collected?

Music community leaders here in Northwest Arkansas and around the world have identified the importance of having measurable information about people who do music-related work. This information is crucial to being able to provide these community members better support.

The results of this census will be made available to the thousands of music industry professionals, nonprofits, and government agencies in our area, as well as to the countless music patrons and consumers who are the lifeblood of our music ecosystem.

¿Puedo realizar el Censo en español?

Una vez que haga clic en el enlace del Censo, elija Inglés o Español en el menú en la parte superior derecha. Esta opción de idioma sólo está disponible en la primera página, por lo que no podrás cambiarla más adelante.

What kind of questions are being asked?

The census asks questions specific to the realities of music workers, including general information about their demographics and occupation types as well as their perspective on issues such as diversity, equity, and belonging.

I value my privacy. Will the answers I provide really remain anonymous?

Yes. The census does not collect any personal identifiers or IP addresses. Any individual responses highlighted in the published results will be attributed as “Census Respondent."

Raw data that is released will be bundled to prevent examining any one individual’s full set of responses. Further, the census platform maximizes the security and privacy of respondents.
Learn more here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/curiosity/privacy-for-survey-respondents/

How long will it take to fill out the census?

From 10-20 minutes, depending on your respondent category. (Creative, Venue Owner, or Industry) and whether you type in lengthy comments.

Who is eligible to participate in the census?

Those working in the music industry in ANY capacity who are 18 years or older and living in Benton or Washington County. 

You should participate in the census if you contribute any type of music-related work, with or without compensation, and you believe your skills and commitment are worthy of acknowledgment and support. This includes part-time work, rarely paid work or volunteer work, and work that is more administrative than creative.

How do I fill out the census if I have two different jobs in music, or own two or more music businesses?

To keep the data analysis manageable, we must limit the census to one entry per person, which means you must select one primary identity (creative, venue owner, or industry). That said, we know that most music people work in more than one area, so you will also have an opportunity within the census to provide info on work you do in other identity categories.

Do I have to take the census on a desktop computer?

No. You can use a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Note that if you wish to leave and finish your response later, you will need to use the same device that you started with.

When will the results be released publicly?

The results of the NWA Music Census will be released in the fall of 2024. There will be three reports: a Summary Report, a Data Deck, and a DEI report.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Please send an email to info@soundmusiccities.com. 

How is this census different from the Sound Diplomacy Music Strategy conducted in NWA in 2020?

Not only will this study give us a new, refined, post-COVID analysis of our music industry, but also add us to a cohort with other cities across the country which meets monthly to discuss best practices on improving music industries on a regional level.

If you have any questions, please contact kelsey@cachecreate.org

What other cities are administering a music census, and can we learn from their data too?

Tulsa, Laurence Kansas, and Nashville are a few of the nearby cities conducting a music survey. Their shared data will help us gain a better understanding of how these neighboring cities interact with and contribute to our music scene.

More Questions? Reach Out to the Team

Kelsey Howard

Director of Art Services and Strategic Partnerships

Kelsey Howard is a world traveler at heart who’s grateful to call Siloam Springs, AR home. After teaching English in South Korea, Kelsey received the Rotary District 6110 Ralph R. Kirchner Award, which funded her graduate studies in the History of Art from the Courtauld Institute of Art (University of London) with a specialization in British architecture.

She has worked at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, John Brown University in Siloam Springs as an adjunct professor teaching Art History, and was most recently the Executive Director of Main Street Siloam Springs. In the last several years, she’s had the privilege to combine her love of public art with enhancing historic downtown spaces; she was honored with the Main Street Arkansas Outstanding Director award of 2018-2019. Kelsey currently sits on the governor-appointed Arkansas Historic Preservation Review Committee to protect our state’s historic buildings.