Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), is Europe’s leading showcase and conference festival for new music, taking place in Groningen, Netherlands.
Paul Callaghan, of Sunderland Music City, features as part of a strong
presence from the Music Cities Network (MCN), which were invited to lead
a key discussion on how cities can support music, culture and creative
economies at a local level.
MCN have curated and facilitated the 8th Music Moves Dialogue, an
influential European forum supported by the European Commission and
delivered by the Federation of Music Conferences.
This year’s theme puts cities and regions at the heart of the conversation –
highlighting how places like Sunderland can use music to drive
regeneration, talent development and international collaboration.
Paul Callaghan participated in an expert panel, alongside European
partners, exploring how local music scenes can thrive through stronger
connections.
Music Cities Network also co-hosted the Cities and Regions
Breakfast with Hamburg Music, bringing together city leaders and music
organisations to share ideas and best practice.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Paul Callaghan said:
“Sunderland has shown how music can play a real role in shaping a city’s
future – from supporting emerging artists to contributing to regeneration
and civic pride.
Being part of this conversation at Eurosonic puts Sunderland on the
European map as a city that takes music seriously and understands its
value to communities and the economy.”
Alongside high-profile discussions that influence cultural policy and the
future of the music industry in Europe, the festival hosts live performances
from exciting artists from across the continent.
The formal recognition by the Music Cities Network places Sunderland
among a global powerhouse of cities like Berlin, Manchester and Sydney,
committed to harnessing music as a tool for social and economic
transformation, and marks a bold new chapter in the city’s creative future.
Sunderland Year of Music events are being announced daily; to see the
most up-to-date list visit https://musiccity.uk/year-of-music
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.