2023-05-08 17:30:05
Georg Tomandl: Measures and funding should be new, long-term and inter-ministerial at government level
Vienna (OTS) – On May 5, 2023, the “Bzzzz – Conference of the Austrian Music Industry” took place in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). This conference was jointly organized by the professional association of the film and music industry with the AKM, IFPI and VTMÖ and was also supported by the SKE fund.
“Culture, art and music are at the exciting intersection of business, media, politics and society. This includes the fact that the ORF is an important showcase and listening window for the Austrian music industry. I’m concerned with improving the media visibility of the music industry. We support the financing of the ORF, but we also demand that the local music industry be made visible. We have the Music Charter for a progressive quota system for Austrian music and expect it to be expanded accordingly. What I also take away from the conference is that uncomplicated support systems need to be further expanded – clearly above all in the areas of marketing and live performances. And: we have to provide more infrastructure for the music industry, be it in music schools or in the provision of public space; because we are a country of music if we are allowed to play,” says Georg Tomandlchairman of the Austrian Music Fund and deputy chairman of the professional association of the film and music industry in the WKÖ: “Therefore, measures and funding should also be new, longer-term and at the government level should be thought across departments.”
“The music industry is diverse and shaped by small players, which is why it is often not as loud as it might be. The ‘Bzzzz’ symbolizes a joint effort to master the major current challenges and the development of a clear agenda for the future of an industry with annual gross value added in the billions,” emphasizes Hannes Tschürtz, chairman of the label professional group in the professional association of the film and music industry: “The subsidies for the industry are insufficient, the willingness to invest in the industry is also low because the risk is too high for individuals. Now it’s a matter of realigning cultural activities and establishing sustainable financing and production structures for the music industry.”
In order to work out existing problems and needs, discussion groups on various topics were formed during the conference and results were collected. In the working groups, it became clear that a significant increase in support would be needed, especially in the internationalization and marketing of domestic production. Due to the small resources, the small-structured industry often lacks leverage. This would also require initiatives to diversify and permanently strengthen mid-level faculty. Long-term security of funding and an investment obligation for international music streaming services are therefore also required for music production and music export in order to be able to build sustainable and forward-looking strategies.
“The event made it clear that the industry is visible and relevant. We want to shape the future of Austrian music in a sustainable way. And Austrian music can experience a new beginning that the many creative and internationally successful music producers will make possible and continue if the financial means are available. Politics can thus give art and music a new value. The positive effects for the economy as a whole are evident.” Tomandl and Tschürtz finally. (PWK132/HSP)
Questions & contact:
DMC – Data & Media Center
press office
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
T 0590 900 – 4462
dmc_pr@wko.at
1683567218
#WKÖFachverband #Bzzzz #conference #Austrian #music #industry #strong #initial #spark #industry
