School of Creative
Industries
Lalrinzuali
Lalrinzuali is a hard working individual who is always open to learn new skills. Seeking new opportunities and challenges, she decided to take up a postgraduate degree in Arts and Cultural Leadership in order to hone the skills needed in her future career.
Lalrinzuali has a deep love for music, and she hopes to improve the management of musicians in her hometown, as well as increase opportunities and provide a platform for struggling artists and musicians. She has assisted friends in her home state of Mizoram, India in the arrangement of events, live shows and gigs.
Thesis abstract
Mapping the music ecosystem in Mizoram: A needs analysis of contemporary artists and their management
This study explores the dynamic music landscape of Mizoram revealing the nature of its rich traditions coupled with the evolving nature of artistic and creative expression. Despite the recognition of the Mizos as a ‘singing tribe’, the music sector of the state has remained dormant, necessitating the need to map the ecosystem of the region to understand the elements that constitute the music landscape in order to identify the gaps and needs for the growth of the sector.
An examination and visual mapping of the ecosystem highlights main components in the unique landscape of Mizoram and identifies key stakeholders in the industry. The mapping, however, raises questions on the existence of a revenue generating music industry, calling for the need to create channels and avenues for artists in the industry.
Conducting a needs analysis of contemporary artists further highlights the gaps faced by the primary stakeholders within the industry and draws attention to the requirements of the industry in terms of professional development, government support, a need for a cultural shift, development of cultural infrastructure as well as the myriad of challenges faced by artists and industry players alike.
Through an analysis of the socio-cultural and political landscape of Mizoram in relation to the music landscape, this study offers recommendations for cultivating sustained industry growth keeping in mind the importance of understanding cultural variations in creating a backdrop favourable for industry development.