Nagaland is working on a policy framework to build a commercial ecosystem around live entertainment, with the state seeking to turn events into sources of revenue, jobs, entrepreneurship and wider economic activity.
Key Takeaways
- Nagaland is developing a Live Entertainment Economy Framework to treat entertainment as a revenue-generating economic sector.
- The state wants large-scale events to create jobs, support entrepreneurship and generate income for local businesses and stakeholders.
- LiveNow has been appointed consultant to help develop a framework suited to Nagaland’s cultural and economic context.
Nagaland has begun work on a Live Entertainment Economy Framework that seeks to give the sector a stronger role in the state’s economy.
The initiative moves beyond viewing concerts, cultural programmes and other live events only as forms of entertainment or cultural expression. The proposed framework aims to create systems that can generate revenue, support businesses and expand employment opportunities.
The development comes as the state examines ways to monetise large-scale events and increase their economic value for local stakeholders. A meeting on the framework took place at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations in Kohima on Tuesday.
Information and Public Relations Secretary Orenthung Lotha chaired the meeting.
Nagaland Sees Live Entertainment as Economic Opportunity
Lotha said live entertainment has the potential to become a viable economic sector in Nagaland. He highlighted its ability to generate revenue, create employment and encourage entrepreneurship.
He also pointed to its potential to support allied industries. Events can create demand for a range of services and professionals beyond artists and performers.
The secretary stressed the need to develop mechanisms that can help the state monetise events. Such mechanisms, he said, should ensure that large-scale programmes produce sustainable economic returns for local stakeholders while contributing to State economy.
The approach marks a shift in how the state wants to develop its live entertainment industry. Instead of treating events mainly as cultural or recreational activities, the proposed framework seeks to connect them with economic activity.
Recent reports on the initiative also identify the monetisation of major events and the development of an entertainment ecosystem as key components of the proposed framework. (Nagaland Tribune)
Jobs and Entrepreneurship at the Core
The proposed entertainment economy could open opportunities across several parts of the industry.
LiveNow Director Atsunglir Jamir said the sector could contribute to skill development, employment generation, entrepreneurship and tourism promotion.
A stronger ecosystem could create work for local artists and performers. It could also generate opportunities for event professionals, technicians, production crews and other service providers.
This could expand the economic role of live events beyond ticket sales and performances. A large event can involve multiple professional and service categories. The proposed framework seeks to create an environment where these activities can grow together.
Jamir said such an ecosystem could generate employment and livelihood opportunities for young people in Nagaland.
Infrastructure Needed to Support Growth
The state also faces the task of strengthening infrastructure for the sector.
Jamir called for improvements to existing facilities so that Nagaland can host events that meet national and international standards.
Better infrastructure could help the state attract larger events. It could also strengthen Nagaland’s ability to develop entertainment, cultural and experiential tourism.
Several media inputs said, the LiveNow team has identified attracting major national and international events as one of its short-term objectives. The team also wants to position Nagaland as an entertainment hub in the Northeast.
‘Nagaland Live’ Brand Planned
Another proposed objective is to develop “Nagaland Live” as a distinctive brand for the state’s live entertainment ecosystem.
The branding initiative could provide a common identity for Nagaland’s growing event and entertainment sector. It forms part of the broader plan to establish the state as an entertainment destination in the Northeast.
Nagaland already has several strengths that could support the initiative, according to Lotha. These include its cultural heritage, musical talent, creative community and young population.
The government also sees coordination among departments and stakeholders as important. Hosting major national and international events would require cooperation between multiple government departments and other stakeholders.
LiveNow to Help Develop Framework
Information and Public Relations Director Dzuvinuo Theunuo welcomed LiveNow’s involvement in developing the framework.
LiveNow Director Jamir presented the organisation’s initial study during the meeting. His presentation covered research findings, observations and an assessment of the existing live entertainment landscape in Nagaland.
The meeting also examined the preliminary findings and recommendations of the inception study.
Participants called for further consultations with relevant stakeholders and line departments before developing the final framework.
LiveNow has been appointed as the consultant for the project. The company has more than a decade of experience in the live entertainment sector.
It will assist Nagaland in developing a strategic framework based on the state’s cultural and economic context.
| More Northeast News HERE |
The proposed framework will therefore focus on more than staging events. According to MorungExpress its broader objective is to build an economic ecosystem around live entertainment, with revenue generation, employment, entrepreneurship and supporting industries forming key elements of the plan. (With IANS Inputs)
