How It Started The Indy Music Strategy emerged from the city’s growing recognition that Indianapolis possessed a vibrant but undervalued music scene. The effort traces its roots to 2018, when Sound Diplomacy hosted its first U.S. Music Cities Forum in Indianapolis. That event spotlighted the city’s potential and galvanized local stakeholders to act. By early 2019, Sound Diplomacy was working closely with the newly formed Indy Music Strategy Committee to map assets, benchmark Indy against peer cities, and engage hundreds of stakeholders through surveys and listening sessions. The resulting multi‑year strategy, finalized just before the COVID‑19 pandemic, offered a roadmap to build a stronger, more visible, and more equitable music ecosystem.

Why It Stalled Despite the momentum, the strategy never fully moved forward. The challenges were clear: no dedicated funding, no central organization to lead the work, and the pandemic’s sudden impact on the live music industry. Without infrastructure or resources to carry the recommendations forward, the strategy remained on the shelf, even as its findings continued to resonate.

Pattern Steps In In 2024, Pattern embraced the Indy Music Strategy as part of its broader mission to grow Indiana’s creative economy. Recognizing both the urgency and opportunity, they began convening stakeholders, updating data, and laying the groundwork to finally put the strategy into action. This isn’t a fresh start from scratch — it’s a continuation of years of research, visioning, and collaboration. This website was created to be the front door for Indiana’s music industry.

What’s Next The essential next step is making a strong case for the policies, investment, and infrastructure that will fuel long‑term growth for Indiana’s music industry. The Indiana Music Alliance is uniting talent and business to speak with one voice, breaking down silos and demonstrating measurable impact. Our goal is clear: to ensure music is recognized not only as culture, but as a vital driver of Indiana’s economy.

How It Started
The Indy Music Strategy began in 2018, when Sound Diplomacy hosted its first U.S. Music Cities Forum in Indianapolis, revealing the city’s untapped music potential. By 2019, Sound Diplomacy partnered with the new Indy Music Strategy Committee to map assets, benchmark against peer cities, and gather community input. The resulting multi-year strategy, completed just before the pandemic, outlined a plan to strengthen and elevate Indy’s music ecosystem.

Why It Stalled 
Despite strong momentum, the strategy stalled due to lack of funding, leadership, and the pandemic’s blow to live music. Without infrastructure or support, the plan sat dormant—even as its insights remained relevant. 

Pattern Steps In
In 2024, Pattern adopted the strategy as part of its mission to grow Indiana’s creative economy. They’ve since re-engaged stakeholders, updated data, and started laying the foundation to bring the plan to life. This is a continuation—not a restart—of years of research and collaboration. This website now serves as the front door for Indiana’s music industry. 

What’s Next
The focus now is on advocating for the policies, investment, and infrastructure needed to grow Indiana’s music economy. The Indiana Music Alliance is bringing together talent and business to speak with one voice—breaking silos, tracking progress, and pushing for music to be seen not just as culture, but as an economic driver.