Music and, more broadly, culture have become part of the political agenda. In different contexts and on different scales (international, national, and local), it is common for political discourse to associate them with creativity, urban development, and tourism. Multiple social actors recognise the importance of culture and music for the regeneration and revitalisation of urban areas, for improving the quality of life and promoting the well-being of populations, and for the social and economic development of local communities. Based on this framework, this communication focuses on the Portuguese case, analysing the independent music scenes in Lisbon and Porto. We seek to understand the place of culture, and specifically music, within the framework of local cultural policies and how these are related to the development of musical careers. To this end, we analysed data collected through 80 interviews with different actors in the music world and political players in the cultural sphere. Our analysis suggests that although the importance of (independent) music for cities is recognised, its translation into cultural policies is questioned or several shortcomings are pointed out. These are essentially anchored in the lack of knowledge about the independent music sphere and the working conditions of musicians and others involved in the music world.

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cultural policies,music careers,independent music scene,Portugal