The Center for Music Ecosystems has unveiled an ambitious project, the 2024 Music Policy Resilience Network, engaging cities worldwide to enhance their local music scenes dramatically. Henry County, Illinois, recognized for its burgeoning live music culture, is among the 20 global locations selected for this pioneering initiative. The Network will provide Crossroads Cultural Connections, a local non-profit, with resources including tailored research, expert-led masterclasses, and a platform for international knowledge sharing. This initiative not only celebrates Henry County’s musical achievements but also aims to secure a thriving musical future for its community and contribute to broader economic and social growth.
“Despite being a rural area, Henry County has become a destination for live music, and I think that is something we all should be proud of, but I also think we are just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible. Everyday world-class musicians from across the globe are asking to come here to perform. Guests from surrounding areas and beyond are traveling here to attend shows. My hope is that by participating in this project, we can not only solidify the work we have been doing, but also build something that will ensure live music is part of life in this area for well beyond our lifetimes,” says John Taylor, president of Crossroads Cultural Connections.
The Cities chosen for the 2024 lineup are: Arundel (Norway), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Cuenca (Ecuador), Cumberland (Maryland, USA), Darwin (NT, Australia), Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan), Ede (Nigeria), Folkestone (UK), Gallup (New Mexico, USA), Galva (Illinois, USA), Gander (Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada), Homer (Alaska, USA), Lerwick, Shetland (UK), Mariehamn (Åland Islands, Finland), Nuuk (Greenland), South Tarawa (Republic of Kiribati), St. Johnsbury (Vermont, USA), Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Umeå (Sweden), Whitehorse (Yukon Territory, Canada), Whitesburg (Kentucky, USA)