Melbourne to host major international music convention in 2018

Melbourne has won theirbidto host the Music Cities Convention in 2018, becoming the first city outside Europe and the US to do so.

The conference will bring together government, academic and music industry leaders from around the world to lead an extensive international discussion about the extensive role music plays in cities, socially, culturally and economically.

This includes the best practices on the use of music to improve city life across education, employment, community building, licensing and regulation.

The Convention is expected to attract hundreds of international delegates, aided by $250,000 worth of support laid out in the Victorian Budget 2017/18.

Following record investment dollars in the state’s music scene by Daniel Andrews’ Labor Government over the past few years, Melbourne’s status as a global leader in arts, music and entertainment has experienced a significant boost.

The Victorian Government’s rollout of the multi-faceted Music Works strategy saw $22.2 million strategically invested in local music venues and businesses, market development, music tourism initiatives, regional touring, career pathways and professional opportunities for musicians, technicians and others working in the industry.

Other strategies and policies already implemented in the city include the agent of change principle in Victoria’s planning law, the Live Music Roundtable and the City of Melbourne’s music strategy protecting and strengthening our thriving music scene.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley was pleased with the announcement, citing the decision to bring to the conference to Melbourne as a massive win for the local passionate music community. “Being selected to host the 2018 Music Cities Convention reflects Melbourne’s position as Australia’s music capital, and a globally recognised music city.”

Earlier this year it was announced that Sydney was the third city to join the Music Cities Network. Both the Convention and the Network are founded and presented by UK-based Sound Diplomacy,the leading global advisor on music cities and market development.

“We couldn’t be happier that we’re coming to Melbourne,” said Sound Diplomacy CEO Shain Shapiro.

“It’s a privilege and honour to host the first ever Australasian Music Cities Convention in a city that inspires many around the world in its forward thinking approach to developing, sustaining and supporting its music ecosystem.”