WOMEX

Scotland's Music. Ready for the World.

WOMEX is the biggest conference of the global music scene - an international meeting place for a culturally diverse range of music genres. Every year, over 2,600 professionals from 90 countries (including 260 performing artists) take part in a trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts as part of WOMEX, forming important connections to further touring and promotional activities.

Being a part of WOMEX is vital for Creative Scotland, as we go forward in our mission to develop innovative and sustainable ways of strengthening international collaboration, and to promote artistic and cultural exchange. The opportunity WOMEX provides delegates and showcasing artists is unmistakeable – a space for building international connections, and to be seen on the world stage.

WOMEX 2024 Bursaries

WOMEX 2024 - Bursaries

Womex (Worldwide Music Expo) will take place in Manchester from 23 - 27 October 2024 and Creative Scotland are offering eight bursary places for music industry representatives to attend. Applications close at 5pm on 9 May 2024.

WOMEX 2023

This year’s edition takes place in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain from 25 – 29 October 2023. Creative Scotland will be in attendance along with a delegation of Scottish representatives from across our world-class folk and traditional music sector.

Showcasing Scottish Artists

There will be two showcasing Scottish artists at the 2023 edition of WOMEX.

Elephant Sessions

Three men stand in black clothing against a grey background looking at the camera in quite a serious way
Showcasing on 26 October at 11.15pm at Parrote Stage

“We’re hoping that we can gain a lot by showcasing at this year’s event, using the opportunity to hopefully open up doors for us to play internationally in new territories, as well as building our careers in countries we have played before. It’s great for Scottish music to have representation at events like WOMEX and we’re excited that there’s a whole host of people going across as team Scotland.”

Learn more about Elephant Sessions on the WOMEX website

Matt Carmichael

Matt Carmichael is seen running through a field holding a saxophone - the image is blurry as though they are running quite frantically
Showcasing on 28 October at 9.30pm at Theatre Stage

“Having released my first few albums in the past few years we’ve seen clear interest from press, promoters and venues so WOMEX is a great chance to build on this momentum. The Scottish Jazz and Folk scene is very inter-connected so the contacts and opportunities from WOMEX can lead to exploration of connections throughout the wider scene and more awareness of the amazing music happening in Scotland.”

Learn more about Matt Carmichael on the WOMEX website

Resources

Learn more about Scotland’s 2023 attendance – listen to our curated playlist, download our Meet the Delegates Guide and check out our Guide to Scotland’s folk and traditional music sector.

WOMEX 2023 - Meet the Delegates

Find out about the influential representatives who will be in attendance at WOMEX 2023 throughout this guide.

An iùil agaibh air roinn ceòl dùthchasach is traidiseanta na h-Alba

Tha sinn air cuid de na prìomh bhuidhnean agus fèisean a chruinneachadh bhon roinn a sheallas na tha aig an dùthaich ri thabhann.

Guide to Scotland's Folk and Traditional Music Sector - English

We’ve gathered together some of the key organisations and festivals from the sector which showcase what the country has to offer.

Horizons

Creative Scotland attends WOMEX as part of the Horizons partnership, between Arts Council England, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland , Wales Arts International, Music Wales, Arts Council of Wales, British Council and British Underground.

Learn more about Horizons at WOMEX