The International Music Council (IMC) was created in 1949[1] as UNESCO's advisory body on matters of music. It is based at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, France, where it functions as an independent international non-governmental organization. Its primary aim is to facilitate the development and promotion of international music-making.
Quick Facts Abbreviation, Formation ...
International Music CouncilAbbreviation | IMC |
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Formation | 1949; 75 years ago (1949) |
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Type | INGO |
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Headquarters | Paris, France |
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Region served | Worldwide |
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Official language | English, French |
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President | Alfons Karabuda Sweden |
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Website | IMC Official website |
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The IMC currently consists of some 120 members, divided into four categories (National Music Councils, International Music Organisations, Regional Music Organisations, National and specialized organisations in the field of arts and culture). It is represented by regional councils in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Their task is to develop and support programmes specifically tailored to the needs of the IMC members and partners in their region.
Five Music Rights
The International Music Council advocates for access to music to all, through a set of values which are at the basis of the action of both the International Music Council and its regional councils. Those core beliefs have been gathered under the name of Five Music Rights.[2]
The Five Music Rights were first proclaimed in Tokyo during the International Music Council's General Assembly of 2001, and have since been promoted by the International Music Council and related bodies, through advocacy activities, programmes[3] and other initiatives (such as the Music Rights Awards[4] and the appointment of the " Music Rights Champions"[5]).
The principles contained in the Five Music Rights (originally written in English) have been translated into French, Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin Chinese.[6]
IMC undertakes many initiatives within the music ecosystem – such as developing projects, organizing conferences, awarding prizes, etc. Projects are international, regional and sometimes local and are often supported by international, intergovernmental and supranational organizations.
IMC UNESCO Music Prize
The IMC UNESCO Music Prize was awarded from 1975 until 2005 by the International Music Council, as of 1978 in cooperation with UNESCO. The Prize was addressed to both musicians and musical institutions, in alignment with the purposes of the United Nations Charter and UNESCO's Constitution. The Prize was assessed by four categories: composition, musicology, pedagogy, and performance.[7] The last laureate of the IMC UNESCO Music Prize was Mikis Theodorakis.[8]
African Music Development Programme
The African Music Development Programme,[9] launched in 2014 by the International Music Council, took place in nine African countries.
The 3-years-long project was implemented with the financial support of the European Union and the technical assistance of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP), and aimed at supporting the music industry through a series of targeted actions.