Organisers have launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming Sunderland through the power of music. Photo: Shutterstock.
Sunderland has achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the second city in the UK to join the prestigious Music Cities Network.
Established in 2016, the Music Cities Network is a transnational non-profit association, which embraces the collaboration between and within music cities around the globe, offering its members a wealth of collaborative opportunities, resources, and advocacy.
As the newest member, Sunderland is joining a nexus of other renowned Music Cities such as Bergen, Berlin, and Sydney, and aims to nurture its music industry while fostering cultural, social, and economic growth.
Sunderland is undergoing a vibrant cultural revolution
Sunderland is currently undergoing a remarkable transformation, characterised by ambitious redevelopment projects and a vibrant cultural revolution. The establishment of Crown Works Studios is set to revolutionise the city’s creative economy, reinforcing its aspirations to be a destination where music thrives.
Other notable mentions within the Music Cities Network include: Aalborg, Aarhus, Bergen, Berlin, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Gothenburg, Groningen, Hamburg, Manchester, Reykjavik, Sydney, Valencia, and Vilnius.
In line with this achievement, organisers have launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming Sunderland through the power of music. The focus will be on cultivating local talent, enhancing musical education via mentorship, and developing both existing and new music venues.
The MU has worked closely with the Sunderland Music Office to ensure a proactive partnership
MU North of England Regional Officer, Philip Morris, has worked closely with the Sunderland Music Office to ensure that the Musicians’ Union is a proactive partner within the plan, which aims to propel the growth and prosperity of Sunderland’s Music Scene.
Speaking at the launch of The Sunderland Music Strategy on Tuesday, Philip welcomed the official acceptance by the Music Cities Network, saying:
“Sunderland’s music scene has a fantastic future ahead of it and I am delighted to see such firm commitments from the sector to work closely with the Musicians’ Union on the creation of a mental health charter, a best practice framework for safe spaces within the creative ecology, as well as a collaboration on ensuring that individuals working in the music sector experience fair pay and conditions”.
Sunderland Music City Officer, Frankie Francis (lead singer of Frankie and the Heartstrings), recognised the responsibility the city has to the network, and championed the support of the MU, stating:
“Sunderland Music City takes its responsibility very seriously, not just as a new member of the Music Cities Network, but to deliver the five-year strategy for the people of Sunderland.
“We believe that by aligning ourselves with professional, historic organisations like the Musicians' Union, this not only validates the project but also offers assurances to anyone taking part, at any level, that we will have the best professional informed practices while we do so.”
Sunderland Year of Music
Alongside its official acceptance, Sunderland Music City has also announced a series of initiatives, including the much-anticipated Sunderland Year of Music, set to commence in June.
This year-long celebration will pay homage to the city’s rich musical heritage, and spotlight under-represented genres through a plethora of events. From gigs and festivals, to educational workshops and community activities, the celebration promises to be a vibrant tribute to Sunderland’s musical legacy and future.
Find out more about Sunderland Music City and what events are coming up.