Sunderland Music City Chief Executive, Michelle Daurat, has been appointed to the
Board of the Music Cities Network (MCN), marking another significant milestone in
Sunderland’s growing international reputation as a leading Music City.
The appointment comes just weeks after Sunderland became the only UK city to host
the global Music Cities Network Summer Summit. And 18 months since the city joined
the Network; an international organisation that brings together cities committed to
developing thriving music ecosystems through collaboration, research, knowledge
exchange and policy development.
As a member of the Board, Michelle will help shape the strategic direction of the
Network, working alongside representatives from leading music cities across Europe
and Australia to champion music as a driver of economic growth, cultural development and community wellbeing.
Michelle Daurat, CEO of Sunderland Music City, said: “It is a tremendous honour to join the Board of the Music Cities Network at such an exciting time for both the organisation and Sunderland.
“Music has the power to transform places, create opportunity and bring communities
together. This appointment is recognition of the incredible work taking place across
Sunderland’s music ecosystem by artists, venues and promoters to educators,
businesses and community organisations.”
Since joining the Music Cities Network in 2025, Sunderland has rapidly established
itself as one of the UK’s most ambitious music cities. The city has launched its Music
Strategy, established a dedicated Music Office, completed its Year of Music
celebrations and hosted the Music Cities Network Summer Summit in 2026, bringing
international delegates to Wearside.
Michelle’s appointment further reinforces Sunderland’s growing influence within the
international music community and provides a valuable platform to showcase the city’s innovative approach to music-led regeneration, talent development and cultural
collaboration.
Paula Simó, Vice Chair, Music Cities Network Board said “It is a genuine pleasure to
welcome Michelle Daurat to the Music Cities Network board. Sunderland has become
one of our most compelling case studies of music-led regeneration, and Michelle’s
vision in building Sunderland Music City, backed by more than two decades of
outstanding cultural leadership across the Northeast, brings exactly the kind of
practical, place-based knowledge our network thrives on.
“I’m confident her voice will help us build stronger connections between mid-sized cities and push our shared thinking on music-driven urban transformation forward. We are thrilled to have her on board!”
Lena Ingwersen, Managing Director of the Music Cities Network added: “Michelle’s
election is a wonderful example of how leadership within MCN grows organically from
active contribution. Following Sunderland’s remarkable commitment to the network,
I’m delighted to welcome her to the Board.
“As MCN continues to grow, we’re strengthening the Board to reflect the diversity,
experience and perspectives of our members as we shape the network’s next chapter
together.”
The Music Cities Network brings together policymakers, music industry leaders and city representatives from across the world to strengthen local music ecosystems and
encourage international cooperation.
Through shared research, advocacy and collaborative projects, the Network supports
cities in using music as a tool for sustainable economic, social and cultural
development.
