In a move reflecting Spain's commitment to enhancing its cultural standing on the global stage, the Spanish Ministry of Culture, led by Ernest Ortasán, has unveiled plans to establish a new body dedicated to promoting Spanish music worldwide. This initiative is in collaboration with the Cervantes Institute, the largest public institution devoted to promoting the Spanish language and culture, announced at a time when the popularity of Spanish-language music is flourishing globally.
The new body, named "Music of Spain", will receive support from several organizations, including the "S_Music" union, Acción Cultural Española, and AECID, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation. The Ministry of Culture will also provide an annual funding of €100,000 to support the activities of this body.
Event Details
The new body will organize a range of activities aimed at enhancing the international presence of Spanish music, including trade fairs, new strategic markets, and trade missions. A press release from the Cervantes Institute clarified that among the body’s tasks is to facilitate access for music professionals from Spain to international markets, considering the diversity of styles, forms, and business models in this sector.
Minister of Culture Ernest Ortasán emphasized that this initiative represents a significant shift for the music industry in Spain, providing tools that combine information, support, and market intelligence, thereby facilitating coordination among institutions, companies, and artists on the global stage.
Background & Context
Over the past decade, Spanish-language music has had a significant impact on the global stage, contributing to the enhancement of the Spanish language and culture. In the United States, for instance, it is considered the largest market in the entertainment sector, where Spanish-language music is nearing the number of listens of country music, according to the final Lemonade report for 2025.
Other reports, such as the IFPI report for 2023, indicate that Spanish was the language of 21% of the top 500 most listened to songs on the Spotify platform, highlighting the importance of this language in the music world.
Impact & Consequences
This initiative is considered a strategic step aimed at enhancing Spain's position in the global music industry, especially given the increasing demand for Spanish-language music. The new body is expected to improve access to international opportunities for Spanish artists, enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.
Additionally, the body will produce analyses of trends, markets, and international opportunities, enabling it to provide accurate information about programs, markets, exhibitions, and networks related to the industry.
Regional Significance
Music is an essential part of Arab culture, and this Spanish initiative demonstrates how different cultures can interact and exchange influences. This step may open new avenues for cultural cooperation between Spain and Arab countries, particularly in the fields of arts and music.
In conclusion, this initiative reflects Spain's commitment to enhancing its musical culture on the global stage, which may contribute to strengthening cultural exchange between Arab countries and Spain.