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Modern Music Cities: A Eurovision Legacy Conference Ignites Inspiration In The Liverpool City Region Following A Record-Breaking Contest
After the record-breaking success of this year's Eurovision Song Contest, hosted by the UK City of Liverpool, on behalf of last year’s winners, Ukraine, a new one-day event, Modern Music Cities: A Eurovision Legacy Conference, took place in Liverpool City Centre during mid July.
On Friday the 14th of July, the seminal event asked what contemporary music cities look like presently and need to look like in the future, with a dynamic programme of insightful discussions, engaging panels, and thought-provoking presentations.
Industry experts, music creatives, cultural leaders, and policymakers came together to explore the significance of music cities, their cultural impact, the role of technology and industry organisations, diversity and inclusion efforts, and future prospects for the music industry within these cities.
'We were blown away by the feedback we received regarding the conference. Both the speakers and delegates expressed their enthusiasm, and we feel fortunate to have assembled such a remarkable lineup of high-calibre speakers and panellists.' - Kevin McManus, UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool.
Delegates saw a presentation by award-winning author and thought-leader Seth Godin ‘Reimagining Music Cities’, exploring opportunities for them and their leaders, whilst Jamaican author, essayist and literary scholar Professor Emerita Carolyn Cooper shared the journey of Kingston as a leading music city.
Sound Diplomacy’s Shain Shapiro explored the definition of a music city and the steps involved in creating one, whilst expert panellists from around the world delved into the influence and impact on culture and industry.
UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin exclusively shared data on their ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ report that highlights the economic and social value of music and music tourism to UK nations and regions.
Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, UK Music Chief Executive, said: 'The Modern Music Cities conference was a fantastic success in uniting people behind the idea of music cities. Claire McColgan and Culture Liverpool are leading the way when it comes to developing the region as a music powerhouse… Our report revealed in 2022, 1.9 million music tourists came to the North West, supporting £696 million in spending and sustaining 6,510 jobs.'
Following the delivery of the most successful European Capital of Culture and Eurovision Song Contest to date, the vision and ambition of Culture Liverpool continues to grow and thrive. Building on our UNESCO City of Music status and world class reputation, we use art, music and events as the driving force behind the regeneration of the City of Liverpool by championing culture on an international stage.
'All of our visiting producers and artists were blown away by the quality and diversity of offer we were able to present as were the British Council Arts Directors visiting from Serbia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Türkiye.' - Andy Brydon, of Curated Place.
Chair of the UK Music Diversity Task Force, Ammo Talwar MBE highlighted efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry, and the Launch of the Liverpool City Region ReMap Report on Black Music, was presented by Chair of the LCR Black Music Action Group, Jennifer John, who announced the first deep mapping of the region’s Black music community has been conducted with their ReMap survey, in partnership with the University of Liverpool, and will be revealed in full later this year.
Looking to the future, emerging music creator Ni Maxine hosted a roundtable discussion on the needs and aspirations of the next generation of music creators and professionals, whilst UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool, Kevin McManus explored the impact of major events like Eurovision in elevating a music city's brand while supporting the local music sector.
Kevin McManus, UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool, said: 'We were blown away by the feedback we received regarding the conference. Both the speakers and delegates expressed their enthusiasm, and we feel fortunate to have assembled such a remarkable lineup of high-calibre speakers and panellists. They wholeheartedly engaged in the discussions and debates throughout the day, sparking inspiration and provoking thought among everyone present.'
The UNESCO designation to Liverpool reaffirms the City’s commitment to supporting new music in all genres and the continuing investment in music both socially and economically. From Africa Oyé, through to Liverpool Sound City and On the Waterfront to name just a few, demonstrates the strength and diversity of Liverpool’s music festivals and a testament to the importance of music to the city.
Kevin added: 'The speakers and delegates represented a diverse mix of international, national, and local participants, contributing to the overall success of the event. Everybody said it was only fitting that Liverpool, internationally renowned for its vibrant music city and rich music heritage, should be the home of an event that celebrates music cities. The day was so fantastic that nearly everyone in attendance asked when we would do it again!'
Andy Brydon, of Curated Place, said: 'All of our visiting producers and artists were blown away by the quality and diversity of offer we were able to present as were the British Council Arts Directors visiting from Serbia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Türkiye.'
Modern Music Cities was made possible through generous funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Liverpool City Council, with support from the LCR Music Board.
Consisting of 22 members and eight observers, the LCR Music Board is charged with cementing the city region’s position as one of the world’s music capitals and will work to ensure music businesses and communities have a stronger voice in local and regional decision-making. The LCR Music Board is one of the first of such Boards created in the UK. Its strategy and action plan have been endorsed by the LCR Combined Authority.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is a government department that focuses on supporting culture, arts, media, sport, tourism and civil society across every part of England — recognising the UK’s world-leading position in these areas and the importance of these sectors in contributing so much to the economy, way of life and reputation around the world. The department champions sport for all at every level, supports world-leading cultural and creative industries and enhances the cohesiveness of communities.