CIAM Executive Committee Convenes in New York, Stands More United than Ever
On 11-12 May, the CIAM Executive Committee convened in New York City for two days of meetings, pushing the agenda on many topics at the heart of music authors’ interests.
On Day 1, 27 representatives of CIAM regional partner alliances (Music Creators North America (MCNA), Pan African Composers and Songwriters Alliance (PACSA), European Composers and Songwriters Alliance (ECSA), and ALCAM), authors' rights' associations, and collective management organisations came together for the open Executive Committee meeting.
Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) President Ashley Irwin kicked off the proceedings, speaking on new developments and challenges of commisioned works. Independent Music Publishers Forum (IMPF) President Pierre Mossiat then explored the future cooperation between IMPF and CIAM. Most of the day was devoted to a discussion on progress of Fair Trade Music, a key CIAM initiative. Following an introduction of MCNA Co-Chair and Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC) President Eddie Schwartz, ExCo participants discussed FTMI, including Fair Trade Music certification criteria, the certification process, governance and bylaws, and the Ambassador’s program. Updates on direct and fractional licencing, as well as recent developments in the United States, were also on the agenda.
On Day 2, PACSA Coordinator Sonia Mutesi Hakuziyaremeye and Juca Novaes (Abramus/ALCAM) updated the audience on recent developments related to the Rwandan pilot project and other continental initiatives. Shunichi Tokura (JASRAC) and Lorenzo Ferrero then reported on progress with the Asia-Pacific Alliance initiative, which is making headways. Ferrero is attending the Asia-Pacific Committee meeting in Bangkok next week. Antun Tomislav Saban (HDS ZAMP) explored the state of the current relationship with GESAC, before the group discussed the implications of the proposed CISAC governance reform from the point of view of music authors. The day closed with a discussion on the upcoming CIAM Congress, which this year will take place in London.
Created in 1966 to defend the rights and promote the interests of music creators, CIAM coordinates the actions of music creators around the world, identifying areas of common interest, providing training and facilitating sharing of information amongst authors.