Music is making its debut in the countryside! The first cultural practice of the French, it is a social link. It brings together, develops values of tolerance, pulsates at the heart of moments of joy and celebration. Two figures illustrate this: 87% of citizens consider that music has an importance in, at least, one of their “best memories” and almost 73% say that it is “a mirror of our society”.
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Statistics recalled by Jean-Christophe Bourgeois, president of Tous pour la musique, grouping 29 professional music associations in France – including authors, composers, performers, musicians, but also show entrepreneurs or publishers. At this conference, they presented four commitments and 13 proposals for the next mandate. The association mobilizes the candidates for the presidential election with a slogan: “For a Republic of Music”.
The first proposal concerns the democratization of musical culture to overcome territorial inequalities and disparities between rural regions and cities. For this, they propose a “pact for musical knowledge” at school, support for digital innovations for learning music. Moreover, Tous pour la musique dreams of an “Erasmus of Music” to enrich knowledge and exchanges between young Europeans.
Encouraging citizens to return to concert halls
The second suggestion is that of États généraux de la musique, “for a better coherence and effectiveness of public policies” throughout the territory.Professionals call for a “quarter-hour music” (musical equipment within 15 minutes of each citizen) to combat “the musical deserts” and proposes the foundationa national label “Communes Musicales de France” / “Music in town and village” to promote all the initiatives of the municipalities concerned.
The third commitment is aimed at enhancing the value of music professions. Namely: “defending the place of authors, artists, creation” in the media and digital platforms, “guiding public policies towards the promotion of gender equality”, and, finally, promote “the international influence of French and Francophone music production”.
The fourth and final part entitled “Political will for the preferred cultural practice of the French” states that “launch a major communication campaign” to encourage citizens to return to concert halls. Because, according to a survey by the Elabe Institute of a sample of 1,001 people, almost 63% of French people have been attending dance bars and concert halls less since the beginning of the health crisis. Representatives of the musical ecosystem want “ensuring structuring financing for the music sector”, and strengthen in particular the missions of the NJC, the National Music Center.
Which candidate will support Everyone’s proposals for music and make France “a people of musicians” ?, the association wonders.