Lena Ingwersen

Lena Ingwersen is the Managing Director of the Music Cities Network (MCN) - a global, independent non-profit association committed to strengthening music ecosystems through international collaboration and local empowerment. As a Cultural Manager, DJ, Keychange Innovator (2020–22), and Music Leaders Network Fellow (2025), she has over 15 years of experience shaping cultural policy, driving inclusion advocacy, and building alternative models for the industry. As head of MCN, Lena leads a growing alliance of music cities, policymakers, artists, and industry professionals across borders - exchanging knowledge, co-creating solutions, and fostering resilient, inclusive, and future-ready music environments. Rooted in a holistic and action-oriented approach, MCN supports cities in harnessing music’s cultural, social, and economic power to drive positive change. Lena co-founded Act Aware, a German non-profit promoting social awareness at music events, and HALLO/Schaltzentrale, a transdisciplinary festival engaging with spatial and urban development. She transformed MCN from a temporary project into a permanent international non-profit association, keeping it open to all cities ready to engage, collaborate, and lead meaningful change. Performing as DJ Lej, Lena blends artistic expression with activism, hosting DJ workshops for FLINTA* individuals and championing gender equity in music. Her track record in project leadership includes work with Dockville Festival, Deichkind, RockCity Hamburg, Körber Foundation, and Girls in Airports, among others. Based in Berlin and working transnationally, she connects people, places, and ideas through the transformative power of music.

Photo credit: Katja Ruge

Participant as: Innovator
Pronouns: she/her
Expertise: Project Manager, Culture & Artist Manager
E-Mail: lena@musiccitiesnetwork.com
Links to social: Instagram