IMC ResiliArt: 5 Music Rights – More than Ever!

Paris 21 May 2020

The experience of music and music-making is a vital part of the everyday life of all people. It is a basic right for all people to express themselves and communicate through music.

In its holistic approach to music as an ecosystem, the International Music Council considers music as an art form, as a product and as a tool. We acknowledge the intrinsic value of music, enriching and inspiring those who engage in it. As an art form, music has contributed and continues to contribute immensely to the world’s legacy, building a rich heritage that preserves and celebrates the diversity of our cultural identities. Music can also serve as a tool that promotes individual development and brings change to many levels of society: it is a formidable unifier of people, a natural vehicle for social engagement and inclusion and a powerful agent for democratic values. Finally, music is involved in a variety of products that contribute to domestic and international trade, economic growth and job creation.

In all of its manifestations, music is a tremendously precious resource for humanity.

To promote access to music for all and the value of music in the lives of all people is the declared mission of the International Music Council. Our values are embedded in the:

How can we make sure that these rights continue to be respected during and in the aftermath of crisis? Which challenges can be identified for each Right? What needs to be done to overcome them?

To ensure that every child and adult and every musical artist can continue enjoying their rights today, tomorrow and the decades ahead.

We have invited our Music Rights Champions Arn Chorn-Pond (Cambodia), Ramy Essam (Egypt), Dame Evelyn Glennie (United Kingdom) and Tabu Osusa (Kenya) to offer their views on these questions and discuss with the UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture, Mr. Ernesto Ottone R., possible avenues to efficiently advocate for cultural policies and funding mechanisms that put our shared values in the heart of the COVID-19 response. IMC President Alfons Karabuda will moderate the debate.

ResiliArt is a global movement initiated by UNESCO that aims to strengthen the resilience of artists and cultural professionals in the face of the enormous challenges posed by the current health crisis.

The IMC debate is our reply to UNESCO’s invitation to start a dialogue about the matter in our field and our community and we hope you will join us on IMC Facebook page on May 27th at 11:30 CEST.