Music Ecosystem Mapping

Music Ecosystem Mapping

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Liva Petersone-Klavina

Research & Data Collection

The pilot refined the ecosystem scope to focus on management companies, agencies, production services, venues, and event organizers. This streamlined focus ensured practicality and relevance.

Research combined secondary data (existing venue lists, municipal databases, ticketing system data) with primary verification through interviews and calls with venue managers and promoters. Multiple data sources were cross-checked to ensure accuracy.

A survey template was used to validate key data points (organization type, capacity, services, audience focus, consent for publication). This process revealed that data maintenance is an ongoing challenge and that collaboration with municipal cultural departments will be essential for sustainable updates.

Verifying information from multiple sources proved vital, as many public records were outdated or incomplete.

Needs Analysis

The pilot demonstrated that integrating new digital tools into existing infrastructures is more effective and sustainable than creating standalone platforms. Initially, the plan envisioned building a new website, but piloting revealed that embedding the database and map within the Music Latvia website would better ensure long-term use and accessibility.

Stakeholder consultations, meetings, and surveys helped define the categories, identify key needs, and ensure the inclusion of relevant data fields. A short survey validated the data and identified missing information. Templates were developed for data entry to standardize information such as organization name, type, capacity, and contact details.

The process confirmed that early stakeholder involvement significantly improves accuracy, adoption, and perceived value of the final tool.

📌 Supporting Material: Venue Mapping - Stakeholder Survey

Design & Development

Rather than developing a new site, the mapping tool was designed to integrate seamlessly into Music Latvia’s existing online structure. A professional designer created a clean, intuitive interface aligned with the association’s visual identity, while an experienced web developer handled the technical implementation using technologies compatible with the platform.

Highlighted features:

Interactive map with clickable markers
Search and filter functions by venue type, location, and size
Mobile-friendly design
Consistent data display and contact details

This integration approach reduced development costs, simplified maintenance, and increased visibility among users already familiar with the Music Latvia website.

📌 Supporting Material: Music Industry Database Categories

Maintenance & updates

Maintenance focuses on data accuracy, functionality, and user experience. It is essential because the music industry landscape changes quickly - venues open, close, or change management; agencies rebrand; and contact details evolve constantly. Without consistent updates and monitoring, the platform would soon become unreliable, undermining its value for users. Regular maintenance ensures that the tool remains a trustworthy and living reflection of the local music ecosystem.

The Music Latvia website team and project partners oversee performance, data quality, and user feedback.
Feedback is gathered via direct communication and analytics, informing improvements in categorization and navigation.
Updates occur annually; outdated entries are reviewed and corrected. Security relies on existing website infrastructure.
Improvements include refining filter options, enhancing accessibility, and adding new venue categories as the sector evolves.

Sustainable maintenance requires shared responsibility and established data validation routines, ideally in partnership with public or sectoral bodies.

📌 Supporting Material: Annual database/venue map update – quick checklist

The most crucial step during piloting was redefining the technical and strategic approach. Rather than building a separate website, the project decided to integrate the mapping tool into the existing Music Latvia web platform. This shift made the process more cost-effective and sustainable while ensuring that the database would reach an already established user base. Stakeholders — including venue managers, cultural institutions, and booking agents — were actively involved in refining database categories, ensuring the structure matched real market needs. The collaboration with an experienced designer and developer allowed for a seamless user experience, where filtering and navigation are intuitive, and data presentation is consistent with the platform’s visual identity. The resulting tool has become a central information point for local and regional professionals seeking reliable data about venues and industry actors. It increased transparency and encouraged collaboration between the music and cultural sectors.

Key learnings & Insights

What worked particularly well:

Using an existing website instead of creating a new standalone platform saved significant resources, reduced development time, and simplified long-term maintenance.
Involving stakeholders early in defining the categories ensured the map and database reflected real market needs and increased buy-in.
Hiring a professional designer and developer delivered a smooth, user-friendly interface that stakeholders could easily navigate.

What was challenging:

Collecting and verifying accurate data proved time-consuming, especially when contact information was outdated or stakeholders were reluctant to share details.
Defining the scope, deciding which categories to exclude.
Establishing processes for long-term updates and maintenance was more complex than expected, as data quality quickly declines without dedicated oversight.

Unexpected outcomes:

The tool generated interest beyond the initial target group, with cultural planners and policymakers requesting access and considering it for broader regional use.
Stakeholders suggested connecting the tool with tourism and creative industry databases, highlighting its potential beyond the music sector.

Music Ecosystem Mapping

Liva Petersone-Klavina