‘Modern Music Cities: A Eurovision Legacy Conference’ is a brand new event that took place in Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music, on Friday 14 July at the iconic Spaces At The Spine.
Throughout the day, delegates heard from local, national and international thought-leaders, alongside music creatives, policy makers and shakers, and industry and cultural leaders to discuss the power and purpose of music cities. Below you will find the schedule for the day’s event.
9.45am – 10.00am: Welcome
During the morning plenary session, Claire McColgan CBE (Culture Liverpool) introduced the audience to local, national and international key speakers who came together to discuss important topics relating to the music industry and music cities.
10.00am – 10.40am: What is a music city and how do you create one?
A presentation by expert Shain Shapiro from Sound Diplomacy deconstructing the main elements that make a city a true music city.
10.45am – 11.40am: The power of music cities
Expert panellists from across the world discussed the positive impacts and real benefits of their music cities. Featuring Sandra Wall (Sweden), Nelson George (New York), Kate Lowes (Manchester), Marcus Harris-Noble (London), Robert Specterman-Green (DCMS) and Alice Moser (Hannover). Hosted by UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool, Kevin McManus.
11.45am – 12.10pm: The power of Eurovision
Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council presented the ESC ’23 Impact Report on the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
12.15pm – 12.40pm: UK Music – An introduction to ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ Report
Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, the Chief Executive of UK Music, presented the ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ Report.
12.40pm – 13.20pm: Lunch break
1.25pm – 1.40pm: Future challenges: The provocation
UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool, Kevin McManus and John Robb musician, journalist and acclaimed author of ‘The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth’ discussed the forthcoming challenges to traditional music cities.
1.50pm – 2.40pm: Breakout sessions
Breakout session1: Industry investment
Breakout session 2: Needs on the ground
Breakout session 3: Devising and delivering live music policy in UK cities and regions
Breakout session 4: Liverpool City Region Black music action group ReMap report
2.45pm – 3.05pm: Refreshment break
3.10pm – 4.05pm: Breakout session (choose one from the below options)
Breakout session 5: Technology and music scenes and cities
Breakout session 6: UK music diversity task force: place for all?
Breakout session 7: “Magic In Kingston Town”: Branding an Alchemical Music City
4.15pm – 4.50pm: Reimagining a music city
A presentation of the opportunities for modern music cities and those leaders who work in the space by award-winning author and thought-leader, Seth Godin.
4.50pm – 5.00pm: Wrap up
Host Dave Monks (BBC Radio) and Councillor Harry Doyle provide closing remarks of the conference.
5.00pm – 6:00pm: Networking and drinks
