European organisations are asking policy-makers for 'a front row seat for music' as Europe resumes activities

 

By Emmanuel Legrand

Over 75 organisations from the music sector have been “Claiming a front row seat for music” in an open letter to the European Commission, European Parliament and national governments.

  The letter, signed by organisation covering all aspects of the music eco-system, states that after 15 months of lockdowns, the music sector in Europe and the world "is at risk of turning into a stigmatised sector where only very few forms will survive."

  The signatories write that the recent re-opening of many parts of the music sector is a welcome development as are the “EU’s guidelines for the safe resumption of activities in the cultural and creative sector." They are"grateful for the diverse and rapid support that the EU and national governments have provided as a reaction to the crisis."

Thinking long-term

  However, as the continent is re-opening, they also request policy-makers "to take into account the societal relevance of the music sector in your political actions," and start thinking "long-term and to fully acknowledge the artistic, social and economic value of the music sector."

  In elaborated: "Despite all the restrictions, the music sector demonstrated that it is flexible and able to adapt quickly to change. In the past years, more and more small, organic, non-hierarchical initiatives have seen the light of day. Additionally, venues, centres, festivals across the globe are changing their models and opening their doors in previously unknown ways, embracing concepts of digitisation, co-creation, co-direction, inclusion and shared leadership. Likewise, music education and community music practices have embraced digital learning tools for keeping up with active music making."

Urgent policy actions

  The letter goes on with the listing of policy actions that the sector would benefit from:

  > Ensure equal treatment with regards to opening strategies, so that all kinds of music activities are treated "on an equal footing with other areas of the society"

  > Acknowledge the role of music for personal and social development, particularly in music education settings and youth music work.

  > Fully embrace the role of music for health and well-being, which will contribute to physical and mental recovery.

  > Recognise the specific working environment of the music sector with self-employment, short- term contracts, multiple jobs.

  > Promote fair monetisation of digital content for musical artists and the whole music value chain. "There are great digital solutions to provide musical offers, however fair remuneration of these works based on strong intellectual property rights is needed and should be distributed in a transparent and equal way," reads the letter.

  > Recognise the unique role played by micro, small and medium structures in the music sector who take risks and provide stability.

  > Facilitate the return to sustainable international and European mobility and exchange, as cross-border music touring and cultural exchanges are "vital for a full recovery of the music ecosystem and the societies in Europe."

  > Guarantee continuous long-term support for the music sector. 

  The letter ends with one recommendation: "Live the rhetoric!"

Come out of the crisis stronger

  The signatories explain: "We appreciate that you share the value that culture is at the heart of Europe, that the diversity of culture is what is part of Europe’s identity. Today, we ask you to live up to these words and to ensure that music and culture are taken seriously when political decisions in all areas are taken."

  In conclusion, the signatories express their belief that the music sector "has the capacity to help overcome the Covid-19 crisis" and "contribute to the digital, green and inclusive recovery of Europe." "We will use all our potential to come out of the crisis stronger and we ask you to support us in doing so," it reads.

  Signatories include European and international music organisations such as the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA), European Festival Association (EFA), European Music Council (EMC), European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE), European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), International Federation of Musicians (IFM), European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC), International Music Managers Forum (IMMF), Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA), Independent Music Publishers International Forum (IMPF), European network for live music venues, clubs and festivals (Live DMA), The European Festival Association  National Music Organisations (Yourope), among others.

> GESAC welcomes EU's reopening guidelines

The European Commission's guidelines for reopening and relaunching Europe’s cultural and creative sector in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic have been welcomed by GESAC, the trade body regrouping Europe's rights societies. 

  GESAC and other creative industries' organisations pushed for their creation earlier in the year, in particular in an April 28 letter to the Commission. 

  "GESAC welcomes this useful and timely initiative, where the Commission gives special importance, through a dedicated strategy, to the restarting of cultural events in its overall relaunch plan," said the organisation in a statement. "The necessity of targeted funding schemes and the facilitation of national recovery and resilience funds for a sustainable relaunch of the sector are underlined."