WAVELENGTHS 2026

The Wavelengths Conference is an annual gathering of a wide array of arts professionals, including: arts organizations, artists, venue managers, agents, managers, media, funders, activists, and others that are part of the global music community. The conference creates a space for dialogue around critical issues facing the field and operates as a social hub for networking. It is also a friendly and generous resource for those looking at career development, exploring new touring projects, and exploring booking opportunities.

Wavelengths is the de facto gathering place that brings a unique community of arts professionals together. The conference leans into issues that are important to this expansive constituency while strengthening networks and deepening our understanding of the ecosystem during a world in conflict.

The conference leans into issues that are important to our expansive constituency while strengthening networks and deepening our understanding of the role of the arts, artists, and arts professionals in a world in conflict.

This year's Wavelengths: Global Music Conference will take place on January 9, 2026, from 9:00am to 2:30pm EST at the Hilton Hotel- Midtown, Concourse A, Downstairs.

Highlights include:
Plenary: This Moment & The Power of Artistic Courage, Alicia Adams
Panel 1: Community Matters: Building Audiences & Cultivating Connection
Panel 2: Digital Dynamics: Exploring AI and Tech in Music Production and Performance
Panel 3: Balancing a Cultural Ecosystem in Flux: A Long Table Conversation

Click here for the full conference schedule.
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Entry: FREE - Registration required (Click below!)

Facing dual challenges of the pandemic, along with hardening of international borders, globalFEST, for the first time, teamed with NPR Music’s Tiny Desk concerts to present exclusive video performances by 16 artists via NPR Music’s digital platforms, in a series entitled NPR Music’s Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.

Thank you for 4 incredible nights of celebration and global music! If you were unable to watch all four nights, catch up now on YouTube:

Rewatch all four nights:

Night OneHere

Night TwoHere

Night ThreeHere

Night FourHere

Featuring 12 new artists, as well as 4 globalFEST Alums, the four-night series (Jan 11-14) was hosted by African superstar Angélique Kidjo, who performed at the inaugural edition of globalFEST in 2004.

“Since the early 2000s, globalFEST has been my high point for uncovering new music from around the world. The annual NYC gathering inspired me to bring many of my discoveries to the Tiny Desk,” said Bob Boilen, creator of NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series. “Korea’s SsingSsing, the Palestinian electronics of 47Soul, and Jamaica’s Brushy One String have been a few stellar discoveries. And though we can’t gather together in a club this year, I’m thrilled that team globalFEST will bring new remarkable talents to our Tiny Desk (home) concert series, and we can all celebrate the joys of these expansive talents together.”

You can support globalFEST's continuing work here.

"The importance of a buzzed-about show at globalFEST should not be underestimated"

-Billboard Magazine

photo by Sachyn Mital

The flagship festival at the core of globalFEST gives audiences the opportunity to experience extraordinary artists from all over the world – and around the corner – all in one night (in normal times). globalFEST promotes global and American regional music traditions, creates opportunities for artists, inspires discovery for arts professionals to present artists from diverse cultures, and introduces new music to the public. globalFEST believes that music can be a driving force toward a society that values cultural diversity as a source of unity rather than division.

Tours and cultural exchanges that result from globalFEST showcases have helped to build an ever-widening audience for global music and, by extension, an increase in international cooperation and collaboration. You can support globalFEST's continuing work here. globalFEST co-directors are Shanta Thake-Kriegsmann, Isabel Soffer, and Bill Bragin

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Read NPR Music's review of gF 2020: Our Top Discoveries From globalFEST 2020
‍Read the New York Times review of gF 2020: At Globalfest, Rowdy Sounds From Around the World
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‍globalFEST is supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Québec Government Office in New York.

‍globalFEST is part of JanArtsNYC.org and its media partner, the NYC Mayors Office of Media and Entertainment.