- The strategy, driven by València Innovation Capital, includes the creation of a one-stop office to meet the needs of the music ecosystem.
- The City Council plans to develop an acoustic map and design regulations that will streamline the licensing process and facilitate musical activities.
A Roadmap for the Future of Music in València
The València Music City 25-30 strategy will serve as a guide to consolidate music as a key pillar of urban, social, and economic development in the city. Led by the City Council of València, this initiative aims to align public and private sector efforts to create opportunities for the music industry and cultural promotion.
As explained by Paula Llobet, Councillor for Tourism and Innovation, this document—part of the València 2030+ Urban Strategy developed through València Innovation Capital—”is the result of a consultation process led by the University of València, with the goal of transforming the city’s music ecosystem. It addresses various aspects, from infrastructure improvements and social inclusion through music to the professionalisation of the sector and the city’s international projection.”
Based on a thorough diagnosis and mapping of València’s music ecosystem, as well as an extensive consultation process involving sector representatives, the strategy establishes four key action lines. According to Llobet, one of the main measures will be the creation of the València Music City Office, which will play a crucial role in the public-private governance system, ensuring better coordination of musical activities in the city while optimising their cultural, social, and economic impact.
A One-Stop Office for the Music Sector
The València Music City Office will act as a one-stop service for the music ecosystem’s needs. Among its main functions:
- Providing technical information on city venues and promoting their programming.
- Facilitating the licensing process to improve efficiency.
- Coordinating public and private sectors.
- Supporting the Mayor’s Office on issues related to musical activities.
The Office will also oversee the Local Music Council, ensuring the governance framework is accompanied by clear regulations that balance the interests of residents, artists, businesses, and audiences.
Regulatory Framework: Simplifying the Licensing Process
To streamline the licensing process, the strategy includes:
- The creation of an acoustic map and an inventory of music-friendly spaces.
- Establishing clear regulations on sound levels and schedules.
- Designing specific licensing procedures.
- Developing a band music protocol for the Fallas festival.
Councillor for Culture José Luis Moreno highlighted that the new regulations will cover both open-air and indoor venues, ensuring a fair balance between the rights of residents, performers, and promoters while securing the long-term sustainability of València’s music scene.
Additionally, a simplified and digitalised licensing system will be introduced to speed up approval times, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency in the process.
Boosting Live Music in the City
As Moreno emphasised, another key pillar of the strategy will be strengthening the live music scene. The Local Music Council will play a central role in fostering coordination, synergies, and collaborations among cultural, tourism, and entertainment stakeholders.
The Urban Music Programme, under the motto “More music, in more places, at more times”, will expand access to musical experiences across the city. Institutions like the Palau de la Música and the future Benicalap Auditorium(scheduled for 2026) will be key to decentralising music venues across different neighbourhoods.
Moreover, the International Band Contest will be reinforced as a platform for València’s musical heritage, and efforts will be made to expand Concerts de Vivers, attracting international artists while integrating the event into the city’s annual tourism offering.
València as a Music Tourism Destination
“The strategy aims to make music not only a cultural identity driver but also a tourism attraction with a direct impact on the local economy,” stated Paula Llobet.
To achieve this, the City Council will collaborate with Visit Valencia to integrate music tourism into the city’s overall planning. Partnerships will also be strengthened with Turisme GVA, Turisme Diputació, and local cultural tourism networks. Additionally, València will promote itself in the congress and professional events sector through the Music Cities Network.
Llobet further highlighted that the strategy seeks to professionalise the music industry, connecting it with the startup ecosystem. Through SonoLab by València Innovation Capital, the city will bridge research and practical applications, encouraging the creation of music and tech startups.