Music Cities Awards 2026: New Categories & Key Webinar Dates
The Music Cities Awards 2026 are officially open for entries. This global competition celebrates the projects and policies worldwide that successfully leverage music to drive economic, social, environmental, and cultural development in cities.
This year’s programme features nine refined categories designed to capture the full scope of the music cities movement. From climate action and community impact to technology and tourism, these awards highlight the innovative ways music is being used as strategic urban infrastructure.
2026 Award Categories at a Glance
The nine categories recognise distinct areas of music-led development:
Music Community Impact: For projects using music to empower communities and foster social inclusion.
Music Talent Development & Education: For innovative initiatives expanding access to music learning and industry pathways.
Local Music Impact - presented by Hull City Council: A special category for projects strengthening the music ecosystem of our 2026 host city.
Music Tourism: For initiatives that attract visitors and define a destination through music.
Music & Climate Action: For projects reducing the music sector’s environmental footprint.
Music-Led Placemaking: For using music to shape public spaces, cultural districts, and urban design.
Nightlife & Safe Spaces in Music: For creating a thriving, safe, and inclusive night-time economy.
Music Cities Tech Solution: For digital tools and platforms that strengthen a city’s music ecosystem.
Music Cities Policy: For exemplary city-level music strategies and regulatory frameworks.
Join a Free Informational Webinar
To guide potential applicants, we are hosting two free webinars. These sessions will explore the new categories in detail and provide practical advice on preparing a strong submission.
Music Cities Awards Info Session #1: Jan 28th, 11 AM CET
Music Cities Awards Info Session #2: Feb 6th, 2 PM CET
Submit Your Project
If your work harnesses the power of music to create better cities, we invite you to apply. Gain international recognition and share your insights on a global stage.
Winners will be announced at the Music Cities Awards Ceremony in Hull, UK, in June 2026. We look forward to discovering the projects shaping the future of our cities through music.