After the Archipelago Basins: The Case of Independent Music Stage in Warsaw

This chapter explores the notion of experience economy in case of independent music in Warsaw. The aim was to investigate to which extent global shifts in music market such as the ‘MP3 crisis’, technological developments and social media resonate in secondary metropolises such as Warsaw. Particular focus is put on spatial dimension regarding location factors of artistic production, interaction and performance. The research based on a qualitative case study shows that Warsaw is a very clear case of increasing differences between locations of artistic production (peripheral) and performance and interaction (central) of independent music. Findings show that spaces of independent music production do not involve audiences and therefore are not directly part of the experience economy, whereas spaces of independent music performance and interaction became subject of political opportunity of various intermediaries which put that case on the policy agenda resulting in preferential rents and a supportive grant system.