Described by UNESCO as 'the most important international professional market of world music of every kind', WOMEX evening performances will be held at the Wales Millennium Centre, and the day time showcases, trade fair, conference and film screenings will be held at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.
The fully programmed, prestigious international showcase event is expected to include around 60 concerts featuring 300 plus artists, a trade fair exhibiting in the region of 650 companies from over 90 countries, as well as more than 400 national and international journalists, and will take place between 23-27 of October, 2013.
Cardiff presented WOMEX with the best all-round offer in the bidding process and beat tough international competition to host WOMEX including Glasgow and Dublin (shortlisted cities).
Welcoming the news Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister said:
"WOMEX is a great opportunity to bring the most important world music stage to Wales as well as developing the sector in a sustainable way within our country. WOMEX 13 Cardiff will place the music from Wales on the world stage alongside more established markets so that Wales’ authentic music traditions become more widely known internationally and are positioned beside music from our Celtic neighbours. Hosting WOMEX will allow us to grow the profile of Wales's traditional music, both within and out of the country."
The bid to host WOMEX in 2013 was led by Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales, a partnership between Welsh Music Foundation, Wales Arts International and Arts Council of Wales, with support from British Council and Welsh Government. It aims to accelerate the export-ready music sector, promote the music sector of Wales internationally and to bring the world stage to Wales. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Council and Cardiff & Co, are all formal partners for WOMEX 13 Cardiff .
Dai Smith, Chair, Arts Council of Wales said:
"This is a wonderful achievement for Wales. Persuading WOMEX to come to Wales has been a longstanding ambition for the Arts Council of Wales and our partners. This event, of worldwide significance, is an important part of our wider plans to develop a vibrant and exciting music industry in Wales."
Daniela Teuber, WOMEX Director of Production added:
"We're very happy that Cardiff will be hosting WOMEX in 2013. The city offers a most favourable setting for our complex event and its 2500 delegates and artists from all over the globe. The production partners in Wales are truly professional and highly motivated. The wonderful venues are in close proximity and match our multifaceted needs. Wales has outstanding cultural wealth, hospitality and scenic beauty."
As part of the Cardiff 2013 campaign, "Queen of Harps" and Music Ambassador Catrin Finch fronted a Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales showcase to a packed audience of world music industry professionals at WOMEX 10 Copenhagen . She welcomed the news:
"It’s fantastic news that WOMEX will come to Cardiff. WOMEX is a really exciting event for musicians and music lovers. For us in Wales, it’s a chance to hear the best in the world on our doorstep and a chance to make sure that Welsh music is known and heard around the globe."
The ambition to host WOMEX is supported by Welsh Government’s new Major Events Strategy, which aims to develop global events in Wales.
Ends
For further information please contact Siân James, Press and Media Officer, Arts Council of Wales on 029 2044 1344 / 07812 801356 or email sian.james@artswales.org.uk
For further information on Cerdd Cymru: Music Wales please visit: www.cerddcymru.com
#womex13
Notes to Editors:
Highlights of the bid – why Cardiff?
Cardiff offered WOMEX the best all-round offer in the bidding process.
The quality and size of the Wales Millennium Centre impressed the organizers, who visited Wales on a site visit earlier this year. All night time events can be held within the building and the adjoining Roald Dahl Place, making it easy for delegates and audiences to go from one performance to the other.
The Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales "team Wales" approach also provided a competitive advantage, showing a united approach of partners across the city and in local and national government.
What’s in it for Wales?
WOMEX 13 Cardiff brings the world music market to our doorstep.
It is the first major arts trade showcase Wales will host.
As well as the more obvious economic gains of visitors and hotel beds, there is a real opportunity to develop the music industry in Wales on the back of WOMEX. In that respect it will act as a Catalyst to develop the infrastructure and music in Wales.
Wales has a musical heritage that has both cultural and economic value and has yet to be showcased to this market.
WOMEX 13 Cardiff brings an opportunity for traditional music in Wales to be given international exposure and to tie in the sector in Wales with the wider UK and the world.
Who’s behind the bid? What is Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales
The bid was spearheaded by the Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales partnership between Welsh Music Foundation and Wales Arts International, the international arm of Arts Council of Wales.
Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales is a partnership that brings together the music industry and musicians in Wales to develop international opportunities that benefit Wales economically and culturally.
Cardiff Council, Cardiff and Co, Motorpoint Arena and Wales Millennium Centre are Directors of Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales and the partnership it is supported by the British Council and Welsh Government.
For more information about WOMEX, please visit: www.womex.com
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