Auckland City of Music, a collaborative partnership between music sector leaders and Auckland Council has today released its four-year report [PDF] highlighting a substantial programme of work resulting in it being awarded the Best Global Music Office at the 2nd Annual Music Cities Awards 2021.
Auckland City of Music Director Mark Roach says it’s vital that Auckland supports our music sector now and continues to build a sustainable music industry for the future.
“We can be really proud of what the partnership has achieved, and we know the industry is extremely resilient, but the pandemic has really challenged artists and creatives.
“We have to find new ways of addressing income loss and working collaboratively to create a sustainable industry.”
Park, Arts, Community and Events Committee Deputy Chair Councillor Cathy Casey says Auckland being awarded Best Global Music Office is a recognition Tamaki Makaurau should be proud of.
“Having a thriving music industry has wider benefits like supporting the reinvigoration of tourism and creates a source of pride and inspiration for Aucklanders that reflects the culture and character of the city.
“Music is arguably the most accessible art form and one way that communities engage and participate in creative and cultural experiences.”
Auckland City of Music Director Mark Roach
The report [PDF] highlights an impressive list of professional development programmes, initiatives and free events from songwriter workshops with music legends Bob Geldof and Mick Fleetwood, music heritage projects such as Songlines, youth participation via the Young Gig Makers scheme, support for the city’s grassroots venues, through to Equaliser, a programme designed to address gender equality as well as support Auckland’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
During the pandemic, the Music Office supported sector-led initiative MusicHelpsLive, to raise money for music workers in need by collaborating with other industry organisations. The appeal raised over $850,000 and assisted nearly 600 musicians and music workers with direct support for 18 grassroots music venues.
A new four-year strategy will be launched late-2022 which will look to build upon Auckland City of Music’s existing programme.
Auckland’s award for Best Global Music Office was contested by Music Victoria (Melbourne) and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music Arts & Culture and voted on by a jury of international judges. Auckland City of Music Director Mark Roach was also nominated for the Public Service Award for a Leading Music Cities Professional category at the Music Cities Awards 2021.
Tāmaki Makaurau was designated a UNESCO City of Music within the global UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2017. This was in recognition of the talent in the region and the critical role that music plays in our communities to connect and share Auckland’s unique identity with the world.
