The key points in brief:
Professional musicians should in future be paid fairly according to remuneration guidelines. For example, Sonart, Switzerland’s largest professional association in the field of music, recommends a concert fee of CHF 800 per person. The cantons likewise make adequate payment a prerequisite for receiving public subsidies.
However, most clubs and event organisers simply lack the financial means for fair pay. They are often unable to pay their own staff more than minimal wages. The situation is different for institutions in classical music: here, appropriate fees are either already standard or at least attainable — primarily because orchestras and classical institutions receive substantial state support.
If current funding structures remain unchanged, the diversity of Switzerland’s musical landscape will suffer. The additional costs resulting from fair pay will inevitably lead to fewer concerts being programmed by clubs and organisers. A pity — because small and mid-sized venues are essential to musical diversity.
This is why the Music Diversity Initiative, the jazz club Moods Zurich, Palace St. Gallen, bee-flat Bern and Fri-Son Fribourg are calling not only for fair pay but also for fair funding. A fundamental rethinking of funding structures is necessary. Constructive dialogue between policymakers, the private sector and the music industry is needed.
Media Contact
Fabian Gisler, IG Musik
079 456 28 07
fabian@musikvielfalt.ch
musikvielfalt.ch