On 19-22 November 2024 mica – music austria hosted the annual conference of the International Association of Music Centres (IAMIC). This year’s event focused on exploring sustainable development in the music industry, addressing both ecological and social-psychological issues. Representatives from 19 member organizations worldwide, including POLMIC, attended the gathering.
The program included insightful lectures by experts and presentations from IAMIC members around the globe, addressing various aspects of sustainability. Topics ranged from climate protection measures to the role of music in promoting social justice and inclusion. Attendees engaged in interactive formats like the World Café and Luck Circle, which facilitated meaningful networking and knowledge exchange.
Key sessions included discussions on how music can contribute to a more sustainable future, with presentations on innovative projects such as ‘Renewable Music: V4 Composers for Sustainability’ – a Creative Europe project, implemented by the Polish Composers' Union in collaboration with partners from the Visegrad Group. The conference also highlighted the importance of mental health in the music community, with sessions addressing accessibility for visitors with disabilities and the need for improved working conditions and fair pay within the industry. The event emphasized the necessity of sharing best practices and developing new solutions to enhance sustainability in music.
In addition to the conference sessions, participants enjoyed cultural experiences, attending concerts as part of the Wien Modern Festival at prestigious venues like the Wiener Konzerthaus and Musikverein. Concerts, visits to Brunnenpassage and the Arnold Schoenberg Centre, as well as social events, provided further opportunities for establishing international connections and reflecting on the role of music in addressing ecological and social challenges.
The Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC was represented by Mieczysław Kominek, President of the Polish Composers' Union and director of POLMIC, and Agnieszka Cieślak-Krupa, international projects specialist and current secretary of the IAMIC board.
Agnieszka Cieślak-Krupa
An additional information: https://www.iamic.net/news/iamic-appoints-new-board-members
