London

Land Acknowledgement:

We acknowledge that the land on which London gathers is the traditional territory of the Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Lunaapeewak peoples who have longstanding relationships to the land, water and region of Southwestern Ontario. The local First Nation communities of this area include Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation. Additionally, there is a growing urban Indigenous population who make the city of London home. We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations of Turtle Island (North America).

OVERVIEW

Vision: Develop London into a more robust, culturally diverse and enriched music community.

London has deep roots in the creative field of music and continues working towards improving and growing the sector. As Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music, we recognize the importance of this designation and the on-going commitment.

Hub for Music Education, Production and Engineering

London is a music education and production hub with three internationally recognized post-secondary schools. London continues to develop world-renowned, award-winning talent including artists, songwriters, producers and engineers through Western University, Fanshawe College and Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART). Distinguished scholars, composers, administrators, teachers and performers educate London’s 1,000+ post-secondary music students.

Music education starts at an early age. Local organizations reduce participation barriers and promote inclusive music education through formal music lessons, mentorship opportunities, use of recording facilities, audio engineering programs, music instrument lending libraries, performance opportunities and unique bursary programs to help students achieve academic success. London’s music community also recognizes excellence through a dedicated local music hall of fame and regional awards show.

Leading Music Event City:

London has proven itself on the Canadian stage, hosting large nationally significant events such as the Canadian Country Music Awards in 2016 and 2021 as well as the JUNOS in 2019. London is gaining international attention as a leading Music City with hundreds of thousands attending festivals, large events, concert and community performances annually. Local partners have also elevated London’s name on the international stage through unique programming offerings, collaborative partnerships and artist exchange programs using London as a landing pad for the international music community.

Established Music Strategy:

The London Music Strategy (2014) was developed through multiple years of consultation with local stakeholders including a 25-member Music Task Force. This focused strategy led to the creation of a dedicated Music Office to monitor and implement the Music Strategy with support from key city partners.

Focus Areas of London’s Plan:

• Music Incubation: Nurture music talent and aid in transitioning students into meaningful music careers
• Inclusive Community: Create inclusive participation and representation in the local music community
• Music & Film: Work collaboratively within the film sector to strengthen the relationship between music and film
• City of Music Exchanges: Work with national and international UCCN cities to host artists and industry exchange opportunities
• Music Conferences: Attract and host regional, national and international music meetings and conferences
• Media Arts: Strengthen the UCCN and London’s media arts sector through collaborative work with Cities of Media Arts