València Launches Bold Music City Strategy, Cementing Its Status as a Global Music Hub

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Our member city València has officially unveiled its València Music City 25–30 strategy, a visionary plan that includes integrating music into the city's social, economic, and cultural fabric. The announcement at the Palau de la Música gathered over 400 industry leaders, artists, and civic representatives to celebrate València’s rich musical heritage and ambitious future.

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The strategy was developed by València Innovation Capital in collaboration with the University of Valencia, within the framework of the city's Urban Strategy 2030, and aims to transform the local music ecosystem. It covers areas such as infrastructure development, education, inclusion, heritage preservation, professionalization, and international promotion.

Mayor María José Catalá announced a €32.5 million investment in music-related initiatives for 2025, a 15% increase from 2023. She emphasized that music has become the third official language of the Valencian Community, a language that unites people and embodies the Valencian identity.

Deeply involved in the development of the strategy was Dr. Paula Simó, who represents the city of Valencia in the Music Cities Network as well as being the network’s board co-chair. On the influence of MCN in this whole process, she says:

„The Music Cities Network acted as a true catalyst in the development of València Music City 25-30.

Being part of this international network gave València the confidence and framework to recognize the power of music as a strategic tool for urban development. The experiences shared within the MCN community helped spark internal conversations, align political vision, and accelerate the commitment to building a dedicated strategy.

MCN’s support and international perspective contributed meaningfully to shaping our approach and reaffirming the idea that music can - and should - be integrated into broader urban, cultural, and economic planning.

València is committed to remaining an active and engaged member of the Music Cities Network, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and continuing to learn from other cities that see music as a driver of development.“

Paula Simó PhD

Strategy, Communication and Research for Music,

Culture, Cities and Tourism

The Chair of the MCN Board Lex Davidson says:

„The Music Cities Network congratulates Valencia on the launch of its Music City 25-30 strategy. It is great to see the member cities of the Music Cities Network leading the way in the delivery of music strategies as an integral part of contemporary city-making. Our member cities really benefit from seeing each other’s strategies come to life and the sharing of knowledge and experience through our network, so we thank Valencia for this contribution to our collected wisdom. More than ever, the world needs our cities to be places of unity, inclusion, creative expression and joyous togetherness, and nothing connects us quite like music can.  We look forward to seeing all the ways that Valencia will benefit from this increased investment and commitment to music.“

Lex Davidson

Strategy Advisor - Culture, City of Sydney

Chair of the Board

Music Cities Network e.V.

The launch event featured performances by Art of Brass, Amystis, Nel Cuore, Lucía Millán, Seda Jazz, and students from the València Conservatory’s Sonology Department, honoring Valencian icons from Vicente Martín y Soler and Concha Piquer to La Habitación Roja and Orxata Sound System.

Mayor Catalá concluded: “València is not just a city of music; it is a city built by music. This strategy is a civic achievement, uniting generations through sound. In a world filled with noise, music remains our guide to unity and progress.”

With strong institutional and civic support, València Music City 25–30 is set to position the city as a global leader in music-led urban transformation, strengthening its ties within the Music Cities Network and beyond. We cannot wait to support this plan and see where this journey brings us at MCN.

Inquiries:

For more information about the Music Cities Network please contact:

Aneta Gaidamovic

Communication Manager,

Music Cities Network

Email: aneta@musiccitiesnetwork.com

About the Music Cities Network

The Music Cities Network is a transnational non-profit association embracing the collaboration between and within music cities around the globe. By promoting exchange, research, and advocacy, the network aims to build thriving music ecosystems that support cultural, social, and economic development worldwide.

We are a growing independent city network and are open to welcoming music cities from around the globe who want to become part of the change.