MUSIC CITIES NETWORK

We collaborate globally to build better music ecosystems

Flaming Lips at Manchester Academy by Matt Eachus

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

The Music Cities Network is a global, independent non-profit association committed to strengthening music ecosystems through international collaboration and local empowerment.

We connect music cities and their stakeholders - policymakers, city strategists, artists, and industry professionals across borders - to exchange knowledge, co-create solutions, and foster resilient, inclusive, and future-ready music environments.

Rooted in a holistic and action-oriented approach, MCN supports cities in harnessing the power of music to drive cultural, social, and economic development.

Our network is growing and open. We welcome all music cities ready to engage, collaborate, and lead meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

REDEFINING MUSIC CITY POLICIES

We are at a time when the challenges facing the global music industry have become more pressing than ever, which means the industry must become more diverse, fairer and healthier. Contributing to this mission, the network encourages borderless cultural exchange and business opportunities between the music cities.

MCN’s measures ultimately seek to encourage decision-makers and politicians to recognize music as an integral part of city development in the long term.

key missions

01 CONNECt

Together, we explore and live transnational values, similarities, and differences.

02 learn

We learn from a diverse and experienced team of music city experts who have come together within the network. We receive and give advice and insights on best practices and opportunities for music city policy.

We share and exchange knowledge on a professional music policy level. We understand ourselves as advocates for a more fair and diverse future in our music cities and within the global music industry.

03

04 Shape

We actively shape hands-on solutions to bridge the gaps between music scenes, city marketing and music policy makers. Our joint transnational activities are paving the way for Music Cities prioritizing music and culture policy actively.

THE MUSIC CITIES NETWORK IS A collaboration BETWEEN THE CITIES OF:

Aalborg, DK
AARHUS, DK
BERLIN, DE
BERGEN, NO
Brussels, BE
Düsseldorf, De
GRONINGEN, NL
GOTHENBURG, SW
HAMBURG, DE
MANCHESTER, UK
REYKJAVIK, IS
Sunderland, uk
SYDNEY, AU
Valencia, es
Vilnius, LT

explore further our member cities

Member Cities

Recent News

Sunderland to host MCN Summer Summit 2026

Sunderland will become the first UK city to host the Music Cities Network (MCN) Summer Summit, taking place from 18–20 June 2026, with a full week of wraparound activity across the city. The Summit arrives in the final week of Sunderland’s Year of Music, marking a key moment for the city and bringing together international delegates to explore music ecosystem policy, cross-sector collaboration, and innovation. As part of this, ‘Summit Week Sunderland’ will extend the programm

Apr 28

When Cities Align, Music Ecosystems Move Forward - MCN at Tallinn Music Week

Some moments feel like a natural next step – this was one of them. For the first time at Tallinn Music Week, the Music Cities Network and the UNESCO Creative Cities Network – Cities of Music came together in a shared format. What began as early conversations in 2023 has now taken a tangible step forward: creating a space to exchange, compare, and begin aligning towards a more connected future for music cities. When networks begin to align In a landscape where cities face simi

Apr 24

Valencia Accelerates Its Music City Strategy Through International Exchange with the Music Cities Network

In December 2025, Valencia hosted the Music Cities Network (MCN) Summit, bringing together international city representatives, policymakers, and local stakeholders for an intensive working exchange. As one of Europe’s most forward-thinking Music Cities, Valencia used this moment to connect its independently driven Music City strategy and dedicated Music City Office - working alongside the Mayor’s Office - with MCN’s global network, reinforcing its position on a highly inno

Apr 16

OUR PROJECTS

EMBTF - Music Business

The EMBTF is a creative leadership masterclass that brings together professionals from the European music industry to address current challenges and shape the future of the industry. On transnational research trips, the task force explores ways to develop a strong, sustainable, and transnational music industry within Europe.

Vol. II

Vol. I

MUSIC CITIES NETWORK

We collaborate globally to build better music ecosystems

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

REDEFINING MUSIC CITY POLICIES

key missions

01

CONNECt

02

learn

Share

03

04

Shape

THE MUSIC CITIES NETWORK IS A collaboration BETWEEN THE CITIES OF:

AARHUS, DK

Brussels, BE

Düsseldorf, De

Valencia, es