An historic first for the Forest City.
London has been designated a UNESCO City of Music - the first ever Canadian city to receive the honour.
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Their creative cities network was created in 2004, aimed at promoting communication among cities that "have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development".
“This designation reaffirms that London is an international hub for music and culture - home to incredibly talented artists, songwriters, producers, sound engineers, venue and festival operators and world-renowned music education programs,” Mayor Ed Holder said in a news release. “We are a community with deep roots in the creative field, and where music is a vital part of our economic and cultural identity. The UNESCO City of Music designation is a recognition of the ongoing commitment and dedication to the development of the music industry by all those involved in the music sector.”
https://twitter.com/CityofLdnOnt/status/1457798240724652038
London received the honour because of programs like the ones at Western University, Fanshawe College and the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology, which, according to the city, educate over 1,000 students each year.
“Given London’s first-hand knowledge of the role of culture in the municipal development context, its position as a hub of music education, and the broad support from its community, we are pleased to welcome a new partner that is contributing to the vitality of the local economy and advancing sustainable urban development,” says Roda Muse, Secretary General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. “We salute the efforts of all who have worked so hard for London to achieve the prestigious designation of a UNESCO Creative City.’’
London was one of 60 communities designated as a City of Music globally.