What is WOMEX? WOMEX is "The most important international professional market of world music of every kind. This international fair brings together professionals from the worlds of folk, roots, ethnic and traditional music and also includes concerts, conferences and documentary films. It contributes to networking as an effective means of promoting music and culture of all kinds across frontiers." UNESCO Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity Made in Berlin and travelling in Europe: The 19th edition of WOMEX in Cardiff, Wales, UK, in October 2013 saw over 2,250 delegates from 90 countries, 590 exhibiting companies, a full conference programme and a showcase festival presenting more than 60 acts on 7 stages. Nineteen WOMEX editions have affirmed the value of networking across borders, be they musical, political, cultural or commercial. Since 1994 WOMEX has been travelling all across Europe from Berlin (1994), via Brussels (1995), Marseille (1997), Stockholm (1998), Berlin (1999 + 2000), Rotterdam (2001), Essen (2002 + 2004), Newcastle (2005), Sevilla (2003 + 2006-2008), Copenhagen (2009-2011), Thessaloniki (2012), and Cardiff (2013). The next edition of WOMEX will take place in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain, from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 October 2014. In 19 editions WOMEX has grown to... › 2,250 delegates and 1,260 companies from 90 countries. › 800 concert and festival bookers, tour promoters and venues. › 560 labels, publishers and distributors. › 680 booking agents, 560 managers and 270 producers. › 300 national and international journalists, including 130 radio broadcasters. › A bustling Trade Fair with 590 exhibiting companies from 50 countries at 250 stands. › More than 60 Showcase acts with more than 300 artists from over 40 countries on 7 stages. › The second WOMEX DJ Summit with a specific Showcase & Conference programme dedicated to global club music. › A special world & jazz focus. › 80 speakers and mentors from 25 countries in over 20 Conference Sessions; numerous Networking Meetings, Presentations, Receptions and South Africa Speed-Dating. › Film Screenings, in cooperation with IMZ - International Music + Media Centre, Austria. › The festive Welsh Opening Concert: Land of Song, curated by Cerys Matthews. › Three WOMEX Awards honouring Los Van Van, Cuba; Festival au Désert, Mali; and label of the year, Riverboat Records/World Music Network, UK. › The WOMEX Webcast, in cooperation with Mondomix, France. › The WOMEX Radio Studio organised by BBC (UK), NRK (Norway), rbb and WDR (both Germany); and BBC recordings of the Showcase Festival for distribution within the EBU. › virtualWOMEX – your gateway to the global music community. ____________________________________________________________________________ Press contact: Anna Pötzsch, WOMEX Director of Media & Communications [email protected] | +49 30 318 614 43 | www.womex.com WOMEX 14 Santiago de Compostela For the second time in its European travel itinerary, the international music networking meeting WOMEX will be welcomed to a Spanish city. The journey's end for millions of devout pilgrims via the "Way of St. James" since the 9th century, the legendary city of Santiago de Compostela will also be WOMEX's destination from Wednesday, 22 to Sunday, 26 October 2014. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage city for the extraordinary and well-preserved architecture of its beautiful old town, Santiago de Compostela has been an important meeting place of faith, thinking and cultural exchange since the Middle Ages, reflected also by its prestigious university founded in the 15th century. Situated in the western extreme of Southern Europe, Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, renowned for its lush green hills and wild coastline lapped by the Atlantic Ocean; its ancient traditions; its widely-spoken native language, Galician; its extraordinary cuisine – and, of course, its music. Artists from Galicia who have showcased their talent at WOMEX in the past few years include Berrogüetto, Mercedes Péon, Cristina Pato, Mutenrohi, Narf, Xosé Manuel Budiño and Marful. The bid to host WOMEX 14 in Santiago de Compostela was led by event agency Nordesía; with the support of Xunta de Galicia, the government of the region, through AGADIC and the Foundation of the City of Culture; and the city of Santiago de Compostela through its Department of Culture and Tourism. In addition, cultural agents, gastronomic associations, and, of course, artists from Galicia and Spain are planning to rally together to make the 20th edition of WOMEX a truly outstanding experience. WOMEX states: "We're are very much looking forward to holding WOMEX in Santiago de Compostela in Spain in 2014. The complex requirements of our multifarious event and its 2500 delegates are matched perfectly in this picturesque, compact and hospitable city, which has welcomed pilgrims, travellers and guests from abroad for many centuries." Vítor Belho, Director of Strategy and Creative Production at Nordesía, adds: "To all WOMEXicans: from the end of Santiago's Pilgrim's Way and the Atlantic Land's End, we are waiting for you to enjoy an experiential journey full of ancestral heritage, powerful nature, flavourful cuisine, great musical diversity, and varied cultural connections. Don't miss it!" The WOMEX daytime venue will be the spectacular new ensemble Cidade da Cultura (City of Culture), the masterpiece of Peter Eisenmann. The Showcase Festival will take place in selected venues throughout the old town and on the plazas around the cathedral. Small-scale and easy to navigate, Santiago de Compostela offers a great variety of sights, hotels, restaurants and bars within walking distance. For more information about WOMEX 14 Santiago de Compostela visit www.womex.com ____________________________________________________________________________ Press contact: Anna Pötzsch, WOMEX Director of Media & Communications [email protected] | +49 30 318 614 43 | www.womex.com