Rural regeneration, women and music after the Covid Pandemic

Humanity is social by its very nature; we thrive because we connect, and communicate. This is central to our very beings. Relationships and connections of all kind bring us alive. This need can bring about positive change in a world that is rapidly changing and adapting. Music alongside food/eating out is one of those timeless activities that humans will always do. It is simply an expression of life, togetherness, emotion and connection.

During these covid times and probably post covid too, there has been a greater appreciation of nature and the importance that green spaces have for our wellbeing and happiness. There is a rise in people moving out of cities to the country side where they can enjoy space, gardens and a more spacious living environment. I think this trend will only continue as we communally take on the collective consciousness that nature needs to be cherished and that our own happiness and survival is co- dependant on the well being and flourishing of our natural world. Hopefully this will be reflected in more conscious and eco- sensitive town planning which encourages people to engage with nature in different ways.

Post covid- our world is going to look vastly different. The shape of our towns and cities may also be subtly different . We will all have got used to shopping online even more and high streets, shops and public spaces may need redefining in terms of their use as part of our changed realities. There are already many empty shops and businesses that have folded due to the changing shapes of our lives. But, it need not be all gloom, woe and empty soulless deserted streets.

So, what does this mean for the word of music/culture ? A changing world means changing and different opportunities. Concerts and cultural events have tended to be large centralised events, with little happening on a rural and regional level. But, this could be radically changed. Empty shops, green spaces, market places , covered market places could all be revisioned within the context of delivering culture, music and community engagement. There could be pop up concerts in empty shops delivered through partnerships between local councils, venue management companies, music/theatre managers. Local businesses could act as ongoing rolling sponsors as a way of being part of the regenerative culture. This could be a force for development , connectivity and opportunity .

These could act as regional hubs which allowed the grassroots development and showcasing of local talent: among them women who do not have access to development associated with a larger metropolis. Also, alongside concerts, there could be a more fluid relationship between the music that professionals put on , and the musical activities that are generated for community wellbeing/growth and cohesion. More engagement on all fronts means greater connectivity, growth and wellbeing for all involved.

This creates a less vertical and more horizontal approach to music making and consumption: flowing lines of engagement between different sectors of society rather than music being seen as something only done by a few professionals at the top consumed by the passive majority. This could also be true of other art forms: art, drama, dance. By creating these more fluid opportunities there would be a growth in all areas of creativity and more chances not just for expression but also for professional development, networking and collaboration. This would be useful for everyone involved- and women in particular, due to the more patch work style of their working lives.

I personally live in a very rural setting and I could envisage this being a wonderful blue sky idea that would be thoroughly enjoyed across such a rural region. Coming together and creating, listening and partaking not only brings us together but makes for greater happiness and cultural involvement as well as professional development. We are so going to need this post covid- so let’s get innovative and fluid in how we build futures.