As a major political result of ARTMUSFAIR 2009 in Glasgow, which was held under the motto “Shaping the Future for Contemporary Music” from 29th October - 01st November as an international European gathering of composers and experts in contemporary classical/art music, the “Declaration on the Future for the Creation of Contemporary Art Music in Europe” was approved by the delegates on 01st November 2009. This Declaration addresses political and cultural decision makers throughout Europe, outlines main issues of concern and demands urgently necessary actions to improve the situation for new music creation in Europe:

THE DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART MUSIC CREATION IN EUROPE

We, the representatives of composer organisations from twenty-nine European countries, working together in the European Composers’ Forum (ECF) and the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA), have come together in Glasgow, in October 2009 – the European Year of Innovation and Creativity – in  order to address the future for contemporary art music in Europe.

Art music is of singular importance in the European context.  The social and educational potential in this sector is enormous, and it makes an enduring contribution to local economies.

Music starts with the creators.  Throughout history, composers and other creators have worked to represent their own time and place. This has made a fundamental contribution to the building of national cultures, thereby developing the cultural diversity which is the heart of today’s Europe and the promise of its future.

However, twenty-first century composers find it increasingly difficult to sustain a living, and contemporary art music is under threat.  To lose the continuity of such a living heritage would be disastrous.

For the attention of the European Union and Europe as a whole, we propose the following six actions:

1. Increase the visibility of contemporary music and the profile of composers who create it;

2. Raise the status of Culture in the European political arena and reinforce the position of music within cultural policy;

3. Legislate effectively on authors’ and composers’ Rights through increased dialogue and consultation between creators and European policy-makers;

4. Ensure fair principles of Intellectual Property and the administration of Rights in a global context;

5. Continue to develop a just and transparent European legal framework for the benefit of all music professionals;

6. Encourage investment and subsidy for new art music and improve access to funding at EU level.

Please read & download the entire “Glasgow Declaration”  (English)
Please read & download the entire “Glasgow Declaration”  (French)
Please read & download the entire “Glasgow Declaration”  (German)