A vibrant music scene in Adelaide has led to its formal recognition by the United Nations as a city of music.

Key points: Adelaide one of 116 global cities recognised for their culture

Adelaide one of 116 global cities recognised for their culture Formal recognition comes from UNESCO

Formal recognition comes from UNESCO Music culture can encourage global collaborations

There are now 19 global cities noted for their music cultures and 116 cities in all in a broader UNESCO creative cities network.

The Adelaide application was driven by the city's Festival Centre, the South Australian Government's music development office and by Adelaide City Council.

Arts Minister Jack Snelling said the formal nod was a great honour for the city.

"We have a wonderful range of musical culture in Adelaide, ranging from classical music such as the Australian String Quartet, the Adelaide Chamber Singers, right through to our wonderful rock bands who cut their teeth here in Adelaide — bands such as Cold Chisel," he said.

Popular festivals including Womadelaide also attract thousands of visitors annually.

Recent changes affecting the state's liquor laws were aimed at encouraging venues to have live music performances.

"The Government has a particular commitment to live music because that is really where our wonderful artists of the future are able to cut their teeth, so we've made particular investment in that area to make sure that it's a scene that thrives," Mr Snelling said.

Adelaide encouraging of live performances

General manager of not-for-profit organisation Music SA, Lisa Bishop, said the formal recognition was well deserved.

Saxophonist Adam Page on stage in his hometown Adelaide. ( ABC News: Malcolm Sutton )

"On average, we see over 950 live music gigs a month in 150 venues just in the city and the outer suburbs, so that's not [even] taking into account all the incredible activity happening in the regions," she said.

"There is just a willingness for businesses, arts and music organisations to work together and deliver programs that create more jobs, bigger audiences and thriving venues."

Ms Bishop said there was always room for improvement: "In terms of making it less bureaucratic for venues to stage live music, and to do it at a best-practice level."

"I think there's more opportunity in the regions to create regional touring circuits, to make that more affordable for artists," she said.

"I think there's still opportunities for commercial radio to acknowledge local artists more."

The SA Government and Music SA agreed the listing as a city of music would create more chances for international music collaborations.

As part of that direction, the next Womadelaide in March will host Colombian harpist Edmar Castañeda from Bogotá.

Member cities are required to report to UNESCO on their cultural activities every four years.