A Quick Overview
The Memphis Music Magnet is an arts-based neighborhood revitalization concept – with a Memphis twist.
The purpose of the Memphis Music Magnet is to create neighborhood level change by attracting and supporting musicians and the music industry in Memphis, and incorporate music as a tool for community engagement. The concept relies on homeownership incentives and housing programs, and the development of original neighborhood-based music amenities. While the Memphis Music Magnet places a heavy emphasis on musicians, the initiative embraces artists of all kinds.
We hope to achieve three overlapping objectives:
- promoting neighborhood revitalization through physical and cultural renovation
- supporting an economic development target industry
- infusing and sustaining creativity in Memphis
How it Works, in Brief
Simply put, the Memphis Music Magnet program would establish a target neighborhood and program the area with:
- homeownership incentives and housing programs for musicians
- Place-based neighborhood amenities (Memphis Music Magnet Centers), achieved through the restoration and reuse of empty buildings, that would appeal to musicians, broadly support creativity, and contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood
Target Neighborhood
Because of its heritage, potential, and organizational capacity, we are working with partners to implement the Memphis Music Magnet concept in the Soulsville neighborhood.
Overview of the Website
The Memphis Music Magnet is still in the conceptual phase. The purpose of this website is to provide interested parties with additional context and an overview of the concept, as we seek support to conduct the more detailed planning steps necessary to move from concept to implementable revitalization program.
Please click through the tabs above to read more about
- the origin of the concept and the motivation behind it
- our rationale for a music-centered approach to arts-based revitalization, and the potential role of the Memphis Music Magnet as an alternative economic development approach
- the potential for implementation in the Soulsville neighborhood
- some early ideas for program elements
- next steps and thoughts for moving forward