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WOMEX 23 Wraps Up On A High Note In A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

WOMEX 23 Wraps Up On A High Note In A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Celebrating Diversity, Bridging Borders With Music: 
WOMEX 23 Wraps Up On A High Note In A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Berlin/A Coruña: The 29th edition of WOMEX successfully concluded yesterday in A Coruña's landmark building, Teatro Colón, ending with a standing ovation for a room-resonating performance by BCUC, reminding us that the power of music transcends borders and the politics of social conflict. The event brought together artists, music professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world for 5 days packed with networking, performances, discussions, films and more. The audience was a true reflection of the global nature of WOMEX, with attendees from every corner of the world, highlighting the event's commitment to celebrating diversity.

The final Awards ceremony was a fitting closing marked by an enthralling and uplifting performance by Johannesburg-based renowned Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC for short), who received the prestigious WOMEX Artist Award for 2023; the closing ceremony also honoured the achievements of On The Move, who received the WOMEX 23 Professional Excellence Award, and also celebrated the independent recording industry with the 20 Top Labels of the Yearpresentation.

This year's culturally and musically diverse event concluded with 2750 music professionals (incluing 220 performing artists) from 105 countries, hosted more than 60 artist showcases spread across seven stages, and 18 music-based documentaries. 96 speakers and mentors participated in the conference sessions, and delegates attended the trade fair with 703 exhibiting companies with more than 250 stands and a radio studio on-site.

The gathering of cultures and music sectors lies at the heart of WOMEX. Once again, the event provided an unparalleled platform for networking, connecting artists with industry professionals, record labels, booking agents, and festival organizers, fostering collaborations and new opportunities. Diversity and inclusivity again took centre stage where crucial current discussions developed, encouraging new ideas and partnerships. As with every edition, there was a strong regional presence.

 

WOMEX 23 A Coruña: Recap


The WOMEX 23 opening programme on Wednesday, 25 October 2023, Resounding Picasso, was the perfect start to this year's edition. If you missed our previous press release, please read it here.

Over the past five days, the daytime venue, Palexco, was buzzing with music enthusiasts, professionals and artists from all corners of the world, connecting, discussing, networking and making the most of their attendance. The conversations encompassed a broad spectrum of pressing issues, challenges, and current affairs.

Topics ranged from the intersection of music and migration to technology and AI. The discussions explored Indigenous languages and examined strategies for promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the music industry, the pivotal role of women, nonbinary gender, and ethnic minorities within the arts, among many other compelling subjects.

The city centre of A Coruña was transformed into a bustling musical haven with an impressive array of genres to explore. As diverse and culturally rich as ever, the music and artists travelled from around the globe, from South Korea to Argentina, La Réunion to Serbia, and everywhere in between. The late-night 'Club Summit' featured underground global dance styles presented by DJs and music producers.

The film programme took place in the historic Filmoteca de Galicia and highlighted the creative minds of the filmmakers, exploring artistic projects and backgrounds through a vibrant selection of 18 documentaries, including new releases, features, and short films.
 

WOMEX 23 A Coruña: Overview

  • 2,750 professionals (including 220 performing artists) from 105 countries representing 1,385 companies.
  • 1,010 event promoters.
  • 570 labels, publishers and distributors.
  • 460 governmental, educational and other institutions.
  • 770 individual booking agents, 700 managers and 320 producers.
  • 260 national and international journalists.
  • A bustling Trade Fair with 703 exhibiting companies from 58 countries more than 250 stands.
  • More than 60 showcase acts with 220 musicians representing 45 countries on 7 stages.
  • 96 speakers from 45 countries in 18 Conferences, 9 Networking, 6 Mentoring Sessions, and 3 Associated Presentations.
  • Celebrating the 21st anniversary of the Film programme at WOMEX 23, the schedule in A Coruña featured a hand-picked selection of 18 music documentaries, including new releases, features, and shorts.
  • The Opening concert ‘Resounding Picasso'.
  • Two WOMEX Awards honouring BCUC from South Africa; and On the Move, based in Belgium.
  • WOMEX Academy 2023: taking place online and on-site with partners such as the Goethe-Institut Senegal, the Katapult Programme from Armenia, and the Chinese delegation of SEWEM.
    WOMEX is a partner in several European projects: SEWEM (Sino-European Women Entrepreneurs in Music), Upbeat (the European showcase platform for World Music), and MOST (Bridge to Balkan Music).
  • The WOMEX Radio Studio, in partnership with EBU - European Broadcasting Union, NRK (Norway) and RTVE Radio & Televisión Española

 

WOMEX Travels To Manchester
For The 30th Anniversary Edition In 2024


WOMEX is gearing up to celebrate its 30th edition in Manchester, UK, next October. Set to take place from October 23 to 27, 2024, this marks the debut of WOMEX in Manchester and the third edition in the UK, with its last editions being hosted in Cardiff, Wales, in 2013 and Gateshead/Newcastle in 2005.

Choosing Manchester as the destination for WOMEX's 30th edition is a testament to the city's vibrant cultural heritage and role as a dynamic hub for the global music industry. Manchester's rich history of innovation, iconic music scene, and passionate community of artists and music enthusiasts make it an ideal host for this milestone event. 

With Manchester Music City at its helm, Manchester's bid was led by the city council, with partners Brighter Sound and English Folk Expo, along with additional support from Arts Council England, British Council, Horizons and Marketing Manchester.

The WOMEX event will take place at venues in the heart of the city centre - with Manchester Central hosting the main daytime conference and trade fair, and venues including Aviva Studios, Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall, and O2 Ritz all set to host live music showcases, alongside a programme of international films at HOME.

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