SOcial & Cultural Capital
Social capital is a crucial component in understanding how live music venues function, particularly in small, local music scenes. It is intertwined with cultural capital in shaping how venues build networks, attract audiences, and ultimately achieve financial sustainability. As described in the literature, venues convert their social and cultural capital into economic capital by leveraging their "currency of cool"—the cultural relevance they hold within the scene—and a network of participants, or social capital, to create a "mutually-beneficial community of practice that contributes to the financial sustainability of small venue spaces" (Webster). These interconnected relationships form the backbone of live music ecologies, allowing venues to thrive.
Cultural capital is defined by Bourdieu as "knowledge specific to a cultural field" (Bourdieu), which, in the context of live music venues, includes knowing which bands are likely to draw a crowd. This knowledge is essential because it allows venue operators to make informed decisions that can directly translate into economic capital. For example, the ability to identify popular or emerging artists who resonate with the local audience provides a competitive edge. As Webster explains, "knowing which bands draw a crowd is a form of cultural capital that has the potential to be exchanged for economic capital.” This shows how the cultural expertise within the venue scene is not just about musical taste but also about the financial implications of those choices.
Social capital, on the other hand, is understood as the relationships and networks that help venue owners, managers, and promoters organize successful events. These connections are vital for booking talent, promoting shows, and ensuring a strong turnout. "The social connections necessary to book said bands can be theorized as social capital" (Webster), demonstrating how live music venues rely on personal networks to secure the talent that will drive attendance and revenue. These networks go beyond the direct financial exchange, fostering a sense of community and mutual support that benefits both the venues and the artists involved.
It is noted in the literature that social and cultural capital are not static or quantifiable in the same way as financial capital. Instead, they are "individual powers that can be mobilized and leveraged from situation to situation". For example, a venue might rely more heavily on its social capital—its relationships with well-connected promoters or artists—to ensure the success of an event. On the other hand, a venue could rely more on its cultural capital, such as the knowledge of emerging trends or the ability to identify the next popular band. This fluidity allows venues to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain their relevance in the local music scene.
Finally, arts events can also play a role in breaking down social barriers, creating spaces where different communities can come together. As Tyrell notes, "arts events could be used to transcend social barriers: people may make new connections with others whom they perceive to have a different, though equally rigid set of values.” This shows the social power of live music venues in fostering inclusivity and creating a diverse, connected community through shared cultural experiences.
In conclusion, social capital, alongside cultural capital, plays a critical role in the sustainability of live music venues. Through a fluid navigation of these resources, live music venues contribute to a thriving local music ecology.
