More inclusive approach
to diversity of genres needed

Earlier this month the Arts Council of Northern Ireland published its new five-year music plan, a report that follows a comprehensive music review it commissioned two years earlier. In the new music strategy document the Arts Council says there is a need to make progress towards a “far more inclusive approach to the diversity of genres and distinctive music.” In terms of regional touring and audience development, the ACNI says it is “committed to supporting a more ambitious, dynamic and cohesive approach to under-represented genres (such as jazz, world music and contemporary music) and to the development of year-round programming across Northern Ireland for the benefit of local artists and audiences alike.” The ACNI plans to develop a touring scheme “with an integrated audience development and marketing strategy”, which gives priority to jazz, chamber music, world music and contemporary music.