Valparaíso boosts its music scene with a UNESCO-Supported project

The Municipality of Valparaíso has been selected by UNESCO's International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) to receive $100,000 in funding for its project "Promoting the Professionalisation of Musical Diversity in Valparaíso, Chile." This initiative aims to strengthen the local music industry by enhancing public-private sector relations, fostering gender and social inclusion, providing professional training, and revitalising the city's cultural sector, which has been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This project is a clear example of how culture can be a driver of sustainable development and social inclusion. Valparaíso, with its rich musical tradition, is taking an important step towards the professionalisation of its creative sector and generating opportunities for all, especially women and vulnerable communities. At UNESCO, we proudly support this initiative, which strengthens music as a vital expression of identity and social cohesion," said Esther Kuisch Laroche, Director of UNESCO's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

One of the fundamental pillars of the initiative is the training and skill-building for music professionals. Municipal initiatives, such as the Women in Music Self-Management School and the Popular Music Schools, aim to empower local artists, encouraging the inclusion of women and vulnerable populations while providing tools to improve their economic autonomy and professionalisation in a competitive market.

With a rich musical and cultural tradition, Valparaíso is home to renowned festivals such as the International Jazz Festival and the International Bolero Summit. Through this project, these events will receive additional support, standing out as a key part of the city's cultural programme. These festivals, along with others like the Valparatango International Festival, will continue to stimulate local culture, connecting artists and audiences, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

The project also takes into account the city's geography and social conditions, ensuring that music festivals are accessible to everyone. Free transport will be provided from more remote areas of Valparaíso, such as Laguna Verde and Placilla, so that residents of these areas can also enjoy the cultural events.

"Promoting the Professionalisation of Musical Diversity in Valparaíso, Chile" is set to conclude in August 2025. With collaboration between the Municipality, the Valparaíso Music Industry Guild Association (IMUVA), the Regional Ministry of Culture for the Valparaíso Region, and the Corporation for the Promotion of Production (CORFO), the project aims to consolidate a strategy that will strengthen the city's creative sector in the coming years.

More information:https://courier.unesco.org/creativity/es/articles/la-unesco-invierte-mas-de-un-millon-de-dolares-para-reforzar-la-economia-creativa-del-sur-global