WOMEX - World Music Expo

After three years in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 2009 to 2011, WOMEX will be moving south in 2012. The new host city is Thessaloniki, Greece's second major economic and political centre, located right by the Mediterranean Sea. With its 2300-year past, it's one of the oldest cities in Europe and a true cultural melting pot, bearing traces of an eventful history between Orient and Occident. Renowned for its vibrant cultural life, it is considered to be Greece's cultural capital. Daniela Teuber, WOMEX Director of Production, states: "We're very much looking forward to moving to Thessaloniki in 2012. It's the first time ever that WOMEX will be taking place in Southeastern Europe, and it's a great opportunity for our 2500 delegates and 300 artists from all over the world to discover Greece and the Balkans - and its musical treasures - and to boost business contacts and exchange in the region." The local Steering Committee WOMEX 12 Thessaloniki adds: "We are very happy to welcome WOMEX and all WOMEXicans to our sunny and colorful city. The 2012 edition in Thessaloniki will be an inspiring and tasty contribution to WOMEX's musical journey through Europe." WOMEX's new partners for 2012 are Helexpo S.A., Thessaloniki's congress and exhibition centre; Gaia Live, an established and well- versed concert promoter; the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Municipality of Thessaloniki.