Adelaide Music Scene Receives Global Recognition

Adelaide's music scene has received some huge support after it was officially announced as a United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) City of Music in Paris over the weekend. 

The South Australian capital now joins a list of cities from 32 countries around the world including Seville, Glasgow, Hannover and Hamamatsu. 

A collaborative application which was worked on by Adelaide Festival Centre, the Music Development Office and the Adelaide City Council was followed by a visit to Spain by Arts Minister Jack Snelling, who called the announcement "fantastic news for Adelaide".

"We have internationally renowned classical ensembles, strong programs for music in education and a thriving live music scene that is helping to discover the next Cold Chisel or AC/DC," Snelling said.

"Our music and arts industry operate internationally so a global outlook is necessary for future growth in the industry. This is being driven by the Adelaide Festival Centre’s program of Asian engagement, the globally admired WOMADelaide and the international touring of our arts companies and bands."

Adelaide's active participation in the Creative Cities Network will commence in early 2016, when WOMADelaide hosts Colombian harpist Edmar Castañeda from Bogotá.

Adelaide's Guitar Festival will also develop exchange programs for musicians in partnership with Seville and artist residencies between fellow Australian UNESCO Creative Cities Melbourne and Sydney next year and in 2017.

Music SA's general manager Lisa Bishop said Adelaide's recognition is well deserved giving its ever-growing music scene.

"I'm thrilled with the announcement and I believe it is well deserved from a contemporary music perspective considering that on average we see over 950 live music gigs a month in over 150 venues just in the city and outer suburbs."