At first, Villes des Musiques du Monde was called “Auber’ville des Musiques du Monde”, a project created in 1997 on the initiative of the Municipal Youth Office of Aubervilliers and the Municipality of Aubervilliers.

The Villes des Musiques du Monde Association was created in 2003 for the purpose of devising cultural and artistic events focused on the music and dance of the world that would appeal to people involved in socio-cultural, cultural and community activities and would attract audiences of all origins and generations. This involved thinking up a rich variety of events, not just for the peak festival times but for the entire year, by drawing on pre-existing dynamics and by developing synergies between cultural activities of all kinds (music and dance, of course, but also writing, audio-visual productions, graphic design, photography, and so on).

In the initial stages, it was perfectly natural that a meeting should take place with the team of “La Courneuve”, Polysons, and the traditional music department of the Aubervilliers–La Courneuve Conservatoire, who were soon joined by the cultural department of Epinay.

In 2003, the inter-communal nature of the project required the creation of a specific structure and a commitment to a goal of independence from Omja. Over the years, other cities, municipal departments and associations have contributed to the initiative, and this has given the project a community and departmental dimension. We are now moving towards a regional dimension, with the participation, since last year, of the 18th district of Paris and contacts with cities in other departments of the Paris region.

After a decade of experience, the challenges on which the commitment to this initiative was initially based are still a concern: the diversity of cultures and forms of expression present in our cities and districts are not a handicap but a treasure, and the growth and development of this diversity must be supported and nurtured. There is potential in these urban areas that asks only to be allowed to express itself and that will continue to do so provided it is given the opportunity and the right conditions.

The tenth “Villes des Musiques du Monde” should therefore represent a new stage in a rich history. A history that has seen many obstacles, but where hope and the determination to transform reality have achieved great success. It is up to all of us to see that this process continues …