Take the Manhattan Music Census
The Manhattan Music Census is now open starting Monday, July 20, 2026. The Manhattan Music Census is a community-wide survey designed to better understand the people, places, business, and organizations that make up Manhattan’s music ecosystem. Those encouraged to take the census include:
- All professionals, semi-professionals, and students who work full-time or part-time in the music industry in any capacity, with or without compensation
- Respondents must be 18 years of age or older and living and/or working in the Greater Manhattan area
Photo credits: Blane Worley & Ashton Todd
Help shape the future of music in Manhattan.
The MHK Music Census is a community-wide survey designed to better understand the people, places, businesses, and organizations that make up Manhattan’s music ecosystem.
Whether you are a musician, student, venue, educator, promoter, producer, nonprofit, or business owner, your voice matters. Get involved and be a community partner.
Why This Matters
Manhattan has the pieces of a strong music-first college town: local artists, K-State, venues, community spaces, students, educators, and a growing creative identity.
This census helps us understand what is already here, what support is needed, and where new opportunities can grow. Let your voice be heard.
"A vibrant music and arts scene is one of the experiences that makes Manhattan memorable for visitors. The Manhattan Music Census will provide valuable insights to help strengthen our creative community and enhance the authentic experiences that inspire people to visit and return."
Marcia Rozell
Executive Director, Visit Manhattan
"A great city needs incredible music and awesome places to hear it. The MHK Music Census helps us figure out exactly how to support our artists and build a scene Manhattan can be proud of."
Jeff Sackrider
Vice President, Wareham Hall Board of Directors.
Photo credit: RJ Photography by Reagan
THE GOAL
To create a clearer picture of Manhattan’s music scene and use that information to support future programming, partnerships, funding conversations, student engagement, tourism, and long-term cultural development.
PARTNER WITH US
Community partners help make sure the census reaches every corner of Manhattan’s music ecosystem. Partners can help by sharing the survey, identifying people and groups who should be included, and encouraging participation across their networks.
LEAD PARTNERS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Musicians and bands
DJs and producers
Venues and presenters
Educators and students
Promoters and event organizers
Production and technical crews
Nonprofits and community groups
Bars, restaurants, churches, and businesses connected to live music
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form and we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way. The best way to support is to share the survey once it’s live.
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Music community leaders here in Manhattan and around the world have identified the importance of having measurable information about people who do music related work to provide them with better support. The results of this census will be made available to the 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.
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Who is making music happen in Manhattan
Where music is happening
What barriers artists and venues face
What resources are missing
How music connects to students, tourism, business, and community life
How Manhattan can better support and grow its music ecosystem
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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.
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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.
Photo credit: RJ Photography by Reagan
BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER
Community partners help make sure the census reaches every corner of Manhattan’s music ecosystem. Partners can help by sharing the survey, identifying people and groups who should be included, and encouraging participation across their networks.