Music Cities Awards: 2026 Nominees Announced
The Music Cities Awards celebrates the most innovative projects from around the globe that are using the transformational power of music to improve their communities.
The Music Cities Awards, are a global competition that rewards outstanding projects using music to improve cities.Sound Diplomacy is proud to announce the official list of nominees for the 2026 edition.
Now in their 6th year, the Awards continue to spotlight the organisations, public bodies, cultural leaders, and artists who are redefining how music can drive social, economic, and cultural impact around the world.
Past year’s winners include: City of Music Leipzig (Germany), Fundación Music for All (Spain), United World Shine (Nepal), Queensland Music Festival (Australia), Playing For Change Foundation (Guatemala), Joudour Sahara (Morocco), Fábrica de Arte Cubano (Cuba), Monte Olimpa (Colombia), Jazzy Business Consulting (Japan), Red Dirt Relief Fund (USA), Fever (Global).
The 2026 edition received 222 applications across 9 categories, representing 50 countries across 6 continents, including city governments, non-profits, music start-ups, and individual leaders.
The winners of the contest will be announced on 11 June during the Awards Ceremony at Hull Music Cities Convention 2026 in Kingston upon Hull, UK, presented by the hosting partner Hull City Council and supported by Visit Britain, Visit Hull and Hull City of Music.
This year for the first time, the awards incorporate a dedicated local category, the Local Music Impact award, presented by Hull City Council.
Explore the Nominees
Music Community Impact
Escuela Nacional del Grito (Colombia)
SINA LOKETA / Salam Music Program (Uganda)
Wake The Giant (Canada)
Music Talent Development & Education
Agency for Good (Agência do Bem) (Brasil)
Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) (Canada)
Tresor Foundation / Academy of Subcultural Understanding (Germany)
Local Music Impact — Presented by Hull City Council
Beats Bus Records (UK)
Gig Buddies, hosted by Hull Red CIO (UK)
Warren Records (UK)
Music & Climate Action
A Greener Future (UK)
MIT Climate Machine ((USA)
United Nations Accelerator City, Liverpool City Council (UK)
Music-Led Placemaking
Cardiff Council Music City (UK)
Concerts SA (South Africa)
Singing Ringing Tree (UK)
Nightlife & Safe Space in Music
Barcelona City Council (Ajuntament de Barcelona) (Spain)
Nice Twice Club, hosted by Hull Red CIO (UK)
Tune-Up Grant Program (USA)
Music Cities Tech Solution
Cadenza Pianos (Israel)
MIT Climate Machine (USA)
Vollou (UK)
Music Cities Policy
A Ticket To The Future, Bristol Nights / Bristol City Council (UK)
IDARTES (Colombia)
NSW Government, NSW Contemporary Music Strategy (Australia)
2025 New Orleans Nighttime Economy Strategic Plan City of New Orleans (USA)
Music Tourism
MUTEK (Canada)
Musical Getaways / Havana Music Tours (Cuba / USA)
Queensland Music Festival (QMF) Outback Trail 2025 (Australia)
The Music Cities Awards is a living database of the most exciting and impactful projects using music’s transformational power across the world to drive tourism, improve health, help the youth, transform old buildings into cultural hubs and much more.
To see the full list of nominated projects and more information about the Music Cities Awards, visit the website.