Discover how these policies shape diverse music city industries – a timely exploration given Belfast's 2021 UNESCO City of Music status. The Q&A session will draw connections between research and how the music industry operates in Belfast.

The guest presentation from Dr Ballico (Department of Music at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland) will focus on the concept of the 'music city' as a form of urban cultural policy and will explore the advantages and challenges of adopting music city policies in a range of cities in different geographical contexts and illustrate how local geographical, social and economic contexts and particularities shape the nature of music city policies in particular cities. As Belfast was recently awarded the prestigious UNESCO City of Music title in 2021, this event is timely and of interest to those working in policy and music business in the city and wider region.

Each year the showcase combines highlights from the exciting new student research in arts and cultural industries management work with the insights from a visiting researcher. This work represents the final research projects undertaken by the students of the MA in Arts Management. Presentations will be followed by a chaired Q&A with students and guest presenter, Gilly Campbell of Arts Council NI. This offers attendees the chance to hear the wide range of cutting-edge research being undertaken by our MA students.
The showcase is popular each year with anyone interested in or working in the arts and cultural sector and a great way for the public to hear about the research and thinking behind the exhibitions, events and performances we all enjoy.