We are 10!
In 2023 Sound Diplomacy celebrates its 10th anniversary.
In our first decade, Sound Diplomacy has grown from its origins as a local consulting firm focused on the value that music brings to communities, to become a global consultancy with unrivalled expertise in the development and economic benefits of a broad range of cultural & leisure projects.
We are incredibly proud to have contributed to the growing awareness of the economic growth and social value benefits of objectively researched and thoughtfully planned strategies.
Our clients have included music, theatre, art, sport, hospitality, tourism and the commercial and community placemaking strategies that support these economic development initiatives. We are grateful for the opportunities we have to work with each and every one.
Our Music Cities Events company created and presents the globally acclaimed Music Cities Convention and Music Cities Awards, in addition to delivering thematic conferences around the world including those dedicated to tourism and property development. While building our successful international consulting practice, Sound Diplomacy was also an original shareholder of Unison Rights, a technologically advanced, transparent and equitable creative rights administrator, and the founding sponsor in the establishment of The Center for Music Ecosystems, a non-profit policy research organisation based in the United States and the EU.
Sound Diplomacy’s talented teams are based in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Austria, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Colombia, and India, and we have developed an enviable list of corporate and government clients in over 25 countries on six continents. We are truly humbled by the dedication of our team members, the professional reputations of our alumni and the support we have enjoyed from the businesses and civic leaders we serve.
Thank you.
Welcome to the team
Since October 2022 our Projects Team has grown so we’re thrilled to welcome Colin Kingsmill, Majenta Braumberger, Cheryl Kwok, Michaël Spanu, Mathilde Lemaire, Justin Morris and Nicholas Burman to Sound Diplomacy. With a range of expertise and experience, they are already making an invaluable contribution to the work we do.
Current Projects
Young Voices
Sound Diplomacy is undertaking a comprehensive economic and social impact study of Young Voices, the world’s largest children’s choir. We are working with Young Voices and social impact consultancy RealWorth, and gaining insight through user surveys to showcase the significance of music-related events for children and young people, families, educators, venues, and cities.
Delaware
Sound Diplomacy is partnering with the Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA) for the Recovery and Growth Plan for the State of Delaware’s creative economy – inclusive of music, art, theater, dance, museums, performing arts and other cultural tourism. The plan seeks economic growth and to attract and retain the brightest talent to contribute to the health of countries, cities and regions.
Music Finland
Sound Diplomacy will provide Music Finland with an initial research report on the international Film Composition Sector on an international level and assessment of five countries including market size, trends and value assessment; syncing, publishing, copyrights, royalties and intellectual property management; and global industry networking opportunities
Puerto Rico
Sound Diplomacy is assessing Puerto Rico's Creative and Cultural Industries' economic impact. Combining primary and secondary data, this work will reveal their contribution to the economy, identify challenges and opportunities, and support their sustainable development. It will inform policymakers, raise awareness, and suggest measures for growth.
This Must Be The Place
September 12th, 2023 sees the release of our Founder and Chair, Shain Shapiro’s debut book, This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better on Repeater Books. Preorder here.
MTC Cleveland
Our Music Tourism Convention is coming to the “Birthplace of America’s Music”. From April 11th to 14th, 2023, Cleveland, Mississippi will gather 300+ delegates from all over the world to discuss how music can be used to promote a destination and attract investment, whilst strengthening the local community.