Auckland is officially a City of Music, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network last year when an application for this status was granted.
The cultural arm of the United Nations, UNESCO, launched the Creative Cities Network in 2004 to promote social, economic and cultural development among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor and enabler for sustainable urban development. Auckland now joins the 180 members from 72 countries around the world covering seven creative fields.
Recorded Music NZ, instrumental in driving the application, brought together key music industry stakeholders including APRA and the NZ Music Commission. An Auckland Music Strategy Te Rautaki Puoro o Tāmaki Makaurau 2018 — 2021 was then developed through collaboration between Auckland Council, its council-controlled organisations (CCOs) and Auckland’s music sector.
Launched this month, the strategy outlines the benefits the title will bring to Auckland residents, New Zealanders and international visitors. It also outlines a plan for the way Auckland will develop as a City of Music, providing an opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to Auckland’s success as a music city.
Visit aucklandcityofmusic.nz to download and read Auckland Music Strategy Te Rautaki Puoro o Tāmaki Makaurau 2018 — 2021.
One of the most diverse music scenes
By joining the network, Auckland is acknowledging its long and rich musical history and its commitment to sharing the best practice, developing partnerships that promote creativity, and strengthening participation in cultural life.
Anthony Healey at APRA says, “Auckland is fortunate to enjoy one of the most diverse and unique music scenes in the world. We look forward to bringing together all aspects of the music community, leveraging their special skill sets and collective experience to showcase our musical strength internationally. We want Auckland to be a place where music can thrive for the benefit of everyone who lives here.”
Auckland is one of the most diverse cities in the world: its 1.5 million residents span more than 220 ethnic groups, and four in 10 Aucklanders are born overseas. It is also home to a large Pacific population and 60 per cent of Māori live in Auckland and surrounding regions. With music and language intrinsically linked in Māori and Pacific culture, these communities add a richness and unique sound to the city.
Benefits to the sector
Research reveals seven in 10 Aucklanders have attended a music event in the last three years, making the most of a plethora of concerts and festivals held in the city. Moana Maniapoto, Opetaia Foa’i and Lorde, are among the many that have propelled Auckland music onto the world stage.
Mark Roach of Recorded Music New Zealand says, “A music city is a place with a vibrant music ecosystem that delivers economic cultural and social benefits. Auckland UNESCO City of Music designation brings exciting potential to the sector, its city and its communities”.
The designation as a UNESCO Creative City and the launch of the Auckland Music Strategy represents the starting point of a long-term journey to move the city along a more sustainable development path through culture and creativity.
Read the strategy on aucklandcityofmusic.nz or stay up-to-date on progress, further announcements and opportunities to get involved on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
