We're honoured to share with you the list of winners of the 2024 Music Cities Awards.
The Music Cities Awards is the most consolidated global platform that rewards individuals and organisations who use the power of music to transform their communities.
On its 5th anniversary, the contest has grown into a living archive of the world’s best music advocacy practices.
Organized by Music Cities Events (part of Sound Diplomacy Events & Education), the Music Cities Awards is an internationally recognized platform, showcasing projects that demonstrate how music can transform urban environments. The competition covers 11 categories, from rewarding the “Best Global Music City”, to spotlighting initiatives working at the intersection of music and technology, diversity, youth engagement, sustainability, real estate, health, tourism, night time economy, city planning, and more.
With over 300 applications from 19 countries across six continents, this year's competition highlights the vital role that music plays in shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of cities. The selection process was led by a high level global jury of 10 experts who work at the forefront of music and city development, including:
The nominees were selected by a global jury of 10 high level professionals working at the front end of music cities topics, including:
Annika Park (HKG), Freelance Strategist, Brand/Culture/Innovation
Christina Ballico (GBR), Lecturer, Music and Visual Culture, University of Aberdeen
Enrique Avogadro (ARG), Cultural and Creative Promoter, Pulmón Creativo
Helen Glengarry (AUS), Music Industry Lead, City of Gold Coast
Khadija El Bennaoui (UAE), Head of Performing Arts, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell (USA), GRAMMY Award-winning engineer, producer, composer, Owner, Royal Studios
Nada Alhelabi (KSA), General Manager, MDLBEAST Foundation
Panos A. Panay (USA), President, The Recording Academy
Raoul Rugamba (RWA), Founder at Hobe Agency & Africa in Colours
The awards ceremony, which took place on December 8th, 2024, at the opening night of the RIyadh Music Cities Convention honoured the most innovative projects, those that not only display creativity and cultural significance but also showcase the profound economic and social benefits music brings to urban life.
Meet the Music Cities Awards 2024 Winners
1. Best Global Music City presented by the Experience Fayetteville
Salvador, Brazil's first capital and fifth most populous city, has about 2.61 million residents, with over 80% identifying as black. The city focuses on social transformation and preserving its cultural heritage, highlighted by its vibrant music scene, which significantly contributes to the local economy. Salvador's Carnival, recognized as the world's largest street party, showcases this musical heritage and attracts millions, fostering local commerce and tourism. The city was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music due to its rich Afro-Brazilian cultural influences, making it a vital hub for music and celebration in Brazil.
2. Best Initiative to Support Diversity & Inclusion in Music
The live events, music, and entertainment space are multi-billion dollar industries. When looking at who is employed behind the scenes, there's a lack of representation across women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, non-binary, disabled, and all intersecting identities between these groups combined with many barriers of entry. DTS helps remove these barriers and opens doors, creating a strong pipeline of professionals from historically excluded, and or underrepresented groups, and increasing the experience, diversity, and strength of the talent pool within this sector of the industry. The organisation strives to encourage more fair and equitable systems for the benefit of all persons.
3. Best Initiative to Support Music Education & Career Development
The live events, music, and entertainment space are multi-billion dollar industries. When looking at who is employed behind the scenes, there's a lack of representation across women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, non-binary, disabled, and all intersecting identities between these groups combined with many barriers of entry. DTS helps remove these barriers and opens doors, creating a strong pipeline of professionals from historically excluded, and or underrepresented groups, and increasing the experience, diversity, and strength of the talent pool within this sector of the industry. The organisation strives to encourage more fair and equitable systems for the benefit of all persons.
4. Best Music Tourism Initiative
QMF is a strategic music agency in Queensland, Australia, addressing social, cultural, and economic challenges through innovative music solutions. Since 1999, it has engaged over 1 million people across 106 communities. Its flagship initiative, Queensland Music Trails, features unique driveable itineraries of music events that promote tourism and activate underutilized locations like beaches and heritage sites. Each trail caters to diverse audiences and musical genres, covering an area seven times the size of Great Britain. By enhancing community engagement and promoting local talent, QMF aims to strengthen the music industry and foster cultural connections throughout Queensland.
5. Best Initiative Using Music to Improve Health & Wellbeing
Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) is a dynamic organization that promotes connection and self-expression through the arts. Since its inception in 2010, CFCArts has fostered inclusivity, with over 1,000 members participating in various programs such as community choirs, orchestras, and big bands. The organization collaborates with local governments, schools, and social service providers to offer specialized programs for diverse groups, including older adults and individuals with disabilities. CFCArts serves as a sanctuary for self-expression and belonging, providing a nurturing environment for all participants to thrive while combating social isolation through the transformative power of music and the arts.
6. Best Initiative Using Music to Support Environmental Sustainability
Bye Bye Plastic is a women-led grassroots nonprofit co-founded by BLOND:ISH, focused on eliminating single-use plastics in the music industry to restore ecological balance. Utilizing music as a powerful social connector, the organization aims to inspire grassroots artists and music lovers to create sustainability waves that promote a plastic-free culture. Bye Bye Plastic unifies and empowers music industry stakeholders, particularly artists and DJs, to lead sustainability efforts and combat climate change. By fostering a sustainability ecosystem, the initiative encourages collaboration among artists, event professionals, and fans, amplifying the movement for a more environmentally conscious music scene.
7. Best Initiative Using Music for Economic, Social or Community Development
Viña del Mar, known for its historical, natural, and cultural attractions, hosts the "Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar" every February, the largest music festival in Latin America since 1960. This festival promotes emerging artists and features renowned performers like Elton John and Andrea Bocelli, significantly boosting the city's tourism and socio-economic development. In addition to the festival, Viña del Mar boasts landmarks such as Wulff Castle and Quinta Vergara park. Its vibrant cultural scene, combined with beautiful beaches and rich history, makes Viña del Mar a must-visit destination for tourists worldwide.
8. Best Night-Time Economy Initiative
Bristol Nights is a partnership project initiated by Bristol City Council to support the city's nightlife and those working from 6pm to 6am. The initiative aims to create a safe environment through its Women's Safety Charter campaign, promoting a zero-tolerance approach to harassment in music and nighttime venues. By collaborating with various stakeholders, Bristol Nights enhances safety and well-being for night workers and patrons alike. The project emphasizes the importance of nightlife in fostering community connections and aims to address concerns related to safety, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Bristol's vibrant after-dark culture without fear of harassment.
9. Best Use of Music in Real Estate or City Planning
Main Stage Rehearsal Studios offers affordable and accessible solutions for musicians facing challenges with high real estate prices. Located in Toronto and Hamilton, the studios provide 14 hourly rental spaces and 25 private studios for monthly rental, along with a Live Room for recording projects and a 2000 sq. ft. Soundstage for performances. All studios are acoustically treated and equipped with quality gear to meet professional standards. Additional services include an onsite music store and gear rentals, ensuring musicians have everything they need for productive sessions. With flexible scheduling and a focus on community, Main Stage supports musicians in their creative endeavors.
10. Best Organisation or Individual Supporting Music in their City
Music Victoria is a prominent organization known for its advocacy, research, and professional development within the music industry. In the 2022-23 period, it distributed significant financial support, including $293,221 to musicians, $328,440 to venues, and $134,776 to other industry professionals. Additionally, it allocated funds to support the Black Music Alliance Australia and Community Music Victoria. While commercial success is a goal, Music Victoria emphasizes the broader social, economic, and cultural benefits of music. Its efforts aim to create new opportunities for the music community, ensuring long-term positive impacts for members and stakeholders in the industry.
11. Best Digital Innovation to Support Musicians or Music in Cities
Opulous is developing innovative products that transform how users engage with the music industry.
Do you want to learn more about this year's nominees and the past editions of the Music Cities Awards? Then make sure to check the Music Cities Awards website and our articles on some of our jury members, Nada Alhelabi (KSA), General Manager, MDLBEAST Foundation & Raoul Rugamba (RWA), Founder at Hobe Agency & Africa in Colours.