Belfast marked four years as aUNESCO City of Music this November, a milestone that reflects not just a title but a growing international network centred on exchange and shared cultural practice. Since joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2021, Belfast has strengthened meaningful partnerships with fellow Cities of Music including London, Ontario, Hannover, Daegu and Brno, creating opportunities for artists to travel, perform and work together in ways that continue to shape the city’s musical landscape.

Those exchanges have taken many forms: joint performances, cross-city songwriting sessions, festival appearances and ensemble projects involving artists from across genres and generations. Belfast musicians have appeared on stages from Canada to South Korea, while visiting artists have brought new ideas, new sounds and new audiences into the heart of the city. Each project has reinforced the value of cultural exchange, showing how shared work between cities can widen access, deepen connection and broaden the remit of what a music city can be.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Nikki MacRae, Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music Focal Point, noted that the network has become “a big, global family” committed to championing local scenes and creating opportunities for musicians to collaborate internationally. The impact is already visible, and the relationships established over the past four years continue to grow, with plans for expanded activity in 2026.

As Belfast looks ahead, the focus remains on building connections, strengthening pathways for artists and ensuring the city’s music community continues to benefit from its place within this global network.