In public schools, arts budgets shrink, but they do exist. Just not enough funding to support an orchestra full of expensive and broken physical instruments. But progressively intuitive and affordable technology creates an opportunity to give kids (and big kids) the chance to find a creative voice fueled by infectious rhythm. As jobs for traditional musicians dwindle, opportunities for artistic and applied digital music continue to emerge (soundtracks, games, etc.)

The library offers community space, laptop computers, "Ableton Push" digital-audio-workstations and connections to local "Producers." "Producers" and library staff practice the digital music craft together at the library and offer programs, drop-in sessions and other opportunities to engage patrons. The library builds relationships with key corporate partners (Amazon, KEXP, Microsoft) to provide context and pathways of opportunity for new artists and kids with musical dreams. You can find a good sound very quickly.

With a special May kickoff event at the Bellevue library, we increased weekend foot traffic to the library from 4,000 on a normal weekend to 6,500 for the music event. Promotional value of publicity for the event was estimated at $300k. 18 local artists performed and served as a centerpiece for showcasing a variety of emerging technology at the library. Relationships solidified between artists and the library, and collaborative plans are in the works.