New Orleans has been officially named a UNESCO Creative City of Music, joining only nine other US cities in the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), a monumental designation that recognizes the transformative role of music in urban development, cultural preservation, and economic growth while offering global collaboration opportunities with 407 member cities across 100 countries for the city’s legendary musicians, culture bearers, and creative community that has shaped American musical heritage for generations.
New Orleans & Company, the city’s official destination marketing and sales organization, is thrilled to announce that New Orleans has received this prestigious ‘Creative City’ designation for Music by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, joining an elite group of only 10 US cities and giving the city’s musicians and culture bearers unprecedented global recognition and valuable opportunities to collaborate with other international Creative Cities around the world.
Understanding UNESCO’s Creative Cities Selection
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations with the noble aim of promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. The UNESCO Creative Cities committee carefully evaluates cities that demonstrate a deep, authentic integration of creativity into their urban development strategies—where culture is not merely an accessory but a fundamental driving force for economic, social, and environmental progress.
The selection committee prioritizes places with a proven commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, showing both a rich creative heritage and a forward-looking vision that benefits the entire community. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that designated cities genuinely embody the values and impact that the UCCN seeks to promote globally.
New Orleans’ Path to UNESCO Recognition
New Orleans & Company partnered strategically with the city of New Orleans and a distinguished VIP advisory board throughout the comprehensive application process and officially submitted the application in March 2025. Now New Orleans will join 407 other member cities, including only 10 US cities, spanning 100 countries in the UCCN.
The Creative City of Music designation recognizes cities that have identified music as a strategic factor for their growth and actively promotes cooperation among them. It also allows the city and its culture bearers to participate in the UNESCO international network. This designation crucially gives New Orleans a seat at the table for future UNESCO World Heritage Site designations and participation in global cultural events.
For travelers and music enthusiasts asking “Why is New Orleans called a music city?” and “What makes New Orleans music scene unique?”, this UNESCO recognition provides official international validation of what locals have always known about their city’s unparalleled musical heritage.
Leadership Celebrates Historic Achievement
“I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done over the past few years to connect with other Creative Cities and advocate for New Orleans’ inclusion in the network,” said Walt Leger, III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company. “Not only does this UCCN Creative Cities designation fortify our seat at the global table, but it opens avenues for our culture bearers to connect with others in the industry in a way never before possible.”
“This recognition for our music community is well-deserved and will help ensure New Orleans’ rightful place as the most unique, remarkable and welcoming destination in the world,” Leger added, emphasizing the transformative impact this designation will have on the city’s cultural tourism and creative economy.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell also celebrated the achievement: “Getting this designation is a tremendous achievement for the city of New Orleans. Music and its culture bearers are a major part of the fabric that makes New Orleans so special. Becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Music opens doors to our culture bearers and will help us further amplify the positive social and economic impacts of New Orleans’ music industry.”
Cultural Heritage and Musical Legacy
Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, a member of the New Orleans UNESCO Creative Cities of Music Advisory Board, provided cultural context: “New Orleans, Louisiana is home to some of the world’s most unique cultural heritage elements that have created the alchemy and foundation for musical genres such as Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Bounce and beyond.”
“As a life long educator, band leader of Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, Big Chief of the Northside Skull and Bone Gang, and member of the Black Men of Labor Social Aid and Pleasure Club, I’m excited and proud that our city is joining the ranks of UNESCO Creative Cities. Through Stewardship, we can perpetuate and preserve our cultural heritage for future generations,” Barnes stated.
This statement addresses travelers asking “What music genres originated in New Orleans?” and “What is New Orleans musical heritage?” by highlighting the city’s role as the birthplace of multiple American music styles.
Impact on Non-Profits and Cultural Organizations
“The magnitude of this achievement for both the city of New Orleans and our music culture bearers cannot be understated,” said Jacob Peters, Executive Director of the Bayou District Foundation. “The ability to connect with other UCCN member cities and share ideas and network is critical for New Orleans non-profits and we look forward to growing these connections.”
This networking opportunity answers organizations asking “How can cultural organizations connect internationally?” and opens doors for grant opportunities, cultural exchanges, and collaborative projects that strengthen the local music ecosystem.
Fellow Creative Cities Welcome New Orleans
Alyssa Phares, Focal Point of Paducah UNESCO Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art, warmly welcomed New Orleans: “Paducah proudly congratulates New Orleans on its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. This recognition celebrates a legacy that has long inspired artists and audiences around the world.”
“As a fellow Creative City, Paducah is thrilled to welcome New Orleans into the network and looks forward to the creative connections, shared learning, and cultural exchange that strengthen all of our communities. Creativity has a way of uniting us, and few places embody that spirit more than New Orleans,” Phares added.
Distinguished Advisory Board
The achievement was made possible through the dedicated work of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Music Advisory Board, which includes:
Musical Leadership: Jon Batiste (acclaimed musician and composer), Reid Wick (Director of Regional Advocacy at the Recording Academy), Quint Davis (Producer of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival)
Business & Hospitality: Cleveland Spears (President/CEO of Spears Group), Evan Holmes (General Manager at Superdome and Smoothie King Center), David Bilbe (General Manager at Royal Sonesta New Orleans)
Festival Leadership: Emily Madero (President/CEO of French Quarter Festival), Curtis Doucette (Owner of Dew Drop Inn), Shelly Waguespack (President of Pat O’Brien’s)
Cultural Preservation: Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, Derrick Tabb (Founder of Roots of Music), Shaka Zulu (Indigenous Masking Societies Chief & Musician), Robin Barnes (Songbird of New Orleans)
Foundation Support: Cory Howat (Executive Director of Catholic Community Foundation), Scott Tilton (Founder of Nous Foundation), Mia Borders (President of Third Coast Entertainment)
Administrative Team: Tristan Bagala (New Orleans & Company), Lisa Alexis (Mayor’s Representative, NOTCF), Jacob Peters (Bayou District Foundation), Kevin Ferguson (New Orleans & Company)
Rockin’1000 Debut Concert Celebration
Building on this UNESCO designation, in January 2026, New Orleans will welcome the Biggest Rock Band on Earth, the Rockin’1000, to the United States for the first time to perform on the floor of the Caesars Superdome.
Rockin’1000 is an extraordinary collection of 1,000 singers and musicians from around the world who perform together in perfect unison, living out their dreams on stage. Rockin’1000 has performed throughout Europe but this will mark its first concert in the United States.
This historic concert perfectly celebrates New Orleans’ new status and answers music fans asking “What are the biggest music events in New Orleans 2026?” Tickets are available at www.neworleans.com/rockin1000/.
What This Means for Travelers and Music Tourism
The UNESCO Creative City of Music designation significantly enhances New Orleans’ tourism appeal for several key visitor segments:
Music tourists seeking authentic experiences in legendary venues like Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s, and Frenchmen Street music clubs will find increased international recognition validates their destination choice.
Cultural travelers interested in African American heritage, Creole culture, and music history now have UNESCO-endorsed educational opportunities through enhanced cultural programming and music heritage tours.
Festival attendees at events like Jazz Fest, French Quarter Festival, Essence Festival, and Voodoo Music + Arts Experience can experience world-class music in a UNESCO-recognized creative city.
Educational groups and music students will benefit from expanded international exchange programs and collaborative learning opportunities facilitated through the UCCN network.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The designation positions New Orleans to attract increased cultural tourism, creative industry investment, and international media attention. It strengthens the city’s brand as America’s music capital and provides tangible benefits including enhanced grant eligibility for cultural projects, increased international partnerships for local organizations, stronger tourism marketing messaging, and elevated global profile for New Orleans musicians.
The music industry in New Orleans generates significant economic activity through live performances, recording studios, music education, instrument manufacturing, and music tourism. This UNESCO recognition amplifies all these economic engines.
For more groundbreaking music city news, UNESCO designation updates, cultural tourism developments, New Orleans travel guides, and expert music tourism insights that celebrate cities where creativity drives culture and community, visit The Inspiring Insight. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of cultural recognition programs, music festival calendars, heritage preservation initiatives, creative city networks, and destination cultural events that showcase the world’s most vibrant music scenes. Subscribe for the latest music city rankings, cultural designation announcements, and music travel planning resources.
