Cultural movers and shakers will visit the National Music Centre in Calgary next week to examine the value of music to a city’s economy. It’s something DeMarcus Akeem Suggs of Memphis, Tenn. has seen firsthand. “The economic impact for us is about $750 million annually. We have about 1,100 assets across the city from creation to distribution, as well as folks who support the music industry,” Suggs told CTV News. Suggs is the director of Memphis’ Office of Creative and Cultural Economy. He’ll be one of the guest speakers at the Alberta Music Cities Convention Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. While Calgary doesn’t have a Graceland or Beale Street, Suggs says he’s looking forward to visiting the city and seeing its potential as a cultural magnet. “I think that Calgary already has some significant institutions itself and so, seeing how music gets to work hand in glove with other creative elements, but also in the broader city itself, I think this is a really exciting time,” Suggs said.
