Glasgow rocks as it wins UNESCO City of Music status

Almost 20 years after it held the title European Capital of Culture (1990), Glasgow has been confirmed as a UNESCO City of Music. Director General of UNESCO, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura awarded the title to Glasgow Lord Provost, Bob Winter, at a lunch yesterday in Glasgow, that was also attended by Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture in the Scottish Parliament.

Accepting the title from Mr Matsuura, Glasgow Lord Provost, Bob Winter, said, “It is wonderful to be accepting the UNESCO City of Music Award on behalf of Glasgow. I am thrilled that Glasgow’s rich and varied musical heritage has been recognised by UNESCO. We embrace the award on behalf of our talented musicians and composers whose work has contributed to our great city being given the permanent prestige of being a City of Music. I am confident this can only boost our musical ambitions and encourage and nurture future musical talent.”

The title sets the seal on Glasgow’s reputation for music, forged over many years when other monikers such as ‘Europe’s Secret Capital of Music’ (Time) have been bestowed by press in the know.

The bid to become a UNESCO City of Music was prepared by Glasgow City of Music based on the city’s:

* local, national and international importance as a musical centre;
* the historic and current importance of music to the city;
* the outstanding excellence of its musicians and practitioners;
* the depth, creativity and commitment of its policy both with regard to music itself, and also to music as a tool of social regeneration, improvement and education.

The bid stated that in a typical week, an impressive 127 music events are presented in Glasgow. Additionally, music generates an estimated £75m ($139m) to Glasgow\'s economy each year.

Following the successful bid, an organisation will be created within the city, the likes of which has not been seen before in the UK.

Glasgow City of Music (GCUM) “will function throughout the body of Glasgow’s music world to improve its health, maximise its performance and ensure it seizes every opportunity to advance.” Within the first year of receiving the title, GCUM aims to present a major event in Glasgow to celebrate the title and the city’s music.

Check out seeglasgow.com for details of this event, and numerous others – musical or otherwise.

Mr Matsuura, Director General of UNESCO, said, “The Creative Cities Network was launched in 2004 to promote the social, economic and cultural development of cities around the world. We at UNESCO believe that culture not only makes an economic contribution, it provides meaning, and a sense of identity and continuity that is integral to the life of all societies. That is why UNESCO has long been a leading advocate of increasing the role of culture in national development strategies.

“Announcing Glasgow’s appointment to the Creative Cities Network is the perfect way to end my two-day visit to Scotland and the beginning of what I am sure will be a very rich and fruitful partnership.”

Steven Purcell, Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added, “We have a great asset in Glasgow’s music scene, but the UNESCO title will take appreciation of this to whole new levels.”