Isabel Villanueva has focused her area of study over the last five years on the evolution of the music industry. “The Ministry of Culture was looking for an expert profile not only in classical music, but also in modern music, representing all interest groups,” explained the UIC Barcelona lecturer after her appointment.
The Council was created in 1984 as an instrument to convey the cultural needs and interests of the people of Navarre. The body is chaired by the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Rebeca Esnaola, and the functions of the members include advising the Regional Government on cultural matters and collaborating on the definition and evaluation of cultural policies. Isabel Villanueva will collaborate on the board as an expert in music.
With close ties to UIC Barcelona for more than 15 years, Villanueva pursued her PhD at the university in the area of attracting new audiences to classical music. “I have been able to develop as an industry expert thanks to the support of the faculty, and my professional career was accelerated thanks to a Fullbright scholarship at UCLA in the United States,” she added. Her career as a teacher and researcher has allowed her to work with the biggest music companies in the world, such as Sony Music, Universal or Warner Music, developing artistic and musical projects.
According to the music industry professional, the music industry is currently facing two major challenges: the emergence of artificial intelligence, which "will close some doors and open others", and the sustainability of major music events. “Music remains one of the most important businesses worldwide in terms of economic and social impact, and one of the arts that generates the most engagement among young people,” she says.
As a leading researcher in the music industry sector, Villanueva will contribute her expert vision on the strategic line to be followed in the Chartered Community of Navarre in the field of culture and the arts. One of its functions, together with the rest of the panel of experts, will be to propose to the Government of Navarre the awarding of the Premio Príncipe de Viana, an international prize that has been given every year since 1990. The award recognises cultural creation or research, and is presented annually to leading figures in writing, painting, photography, history and music.
