Riyadh (Saudi Arabia ): 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
Meet the Music Cities Awards 2024 Winners.
1. Best Global Music City (Salvador City Hall (Brazil)
2. Best Initiative to Support Diversity & Inclusion in Music(Miami Music Project, Inc.).
3.Best Initiative to Support Music Education & Career Development(Fundação Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira).
4.Best Music Tourism Initiative (Queensland Music Festival)
5. Best Initiative Using Music to Improve Health & Wellbeing(Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) .
6.Best Initiative Using Music to Support Environmental Sustainability (Bye Bye Plastic Foundation (France).
7.Best Initiative Using Music for Economic, Social or Community Development (Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar).
8.Best Night-Time Economy Initiative(Bristol Nights).
9.Best Use of Music in Real Estate or City Planning(Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).
10.Best Organisation or Individual Supporting Music in their City (Music Victoria).
11.Best Digital Innovation to Support Musicians or Music in Cities (Opulous).
