About the Creative City: 

Located in the heart of Italy between Florence and Venice, Bologna is home to one million inhabitants in the greater metropolitan area. Capital of the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is a city full of history. Its well–preserved medieval city center is among the largest of its kind in Europe. Forty-two kilometers of porticoes, the red brick of its buildings and the medieval towers, give Bologna its unique character. The oldest university of the Western world, founded in 1088, is located in Bologna. Now hosting more than 84,000 students, the University of Bologna was the first university in Italy to establish a degree in art, music and performing arts, and currently offers courses in art, cinema, music and theater.



Bologna boasts a vibrant cultural life and an emerging creative economy. Local institutions and a multitude of cultural associations support its diverse cultural scene. Rooted in the city’s glorious past, music is particularly relevant in Bologna today given the presence of leading institutions such as the opera house 'Teatro Comunale', the International Music Library and Museum, the Conservatory dedicated to Father Martini, the Music and Performing Arts Department of the University of Bologna, and the Philharmonic Academy.



Bologna stands out for its widespread promotion of the music sector, which is celebrated in a series of renowned International Festivals. Additionally, the remarkable classical music seasons, the contemporary music and jazz music program and children-targeted initiatives as well as the song-writers, rock-bands and other musicians who flock to the city, all contribute to making Bologna a truly unique center for music.

 

Added Value: 

As a Creative City of Music, Bologna envisages:

  • enhancing cultural and creative industries as one of the strategic pillars for Bologna’s local development plan;
  • developing specific actions within the Network to support music and artistic projects, especially on an international level;
  • promoting cultural exchanges and training programs as well as residency projects among Cities of Music; and
  • facilitating and reinforcing activities for the co-production of festivals with other cities.

     
Member since: 
2006
Contact: 
Ms Giorgia Boldrini, Director of the Culture and Creativity Division, Culture and City Promotion Department Giorgia.Boldrini@comune.bologna.it
Membership Monitoring Reports: