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Description
Mapping of the music industry in the Czech Republic in 2016 (Žáková et al., 2016, p. 354; available from: https://prospero.idu.cz/produkt/mapovani-kulturnich-a-kreativnich-prumyslu-v-cr-ii-svazek/) brought mainly the following conclusion: among the weaknesses of the current music industry is the lack of professionalism of cultural actors and associations that represent these actors operating in individual music sectors. Weaknesses caused by insufficient support for the music industry were identified mainly in the areas of management, economics, marketing, copyright, legislation and personnel. The Czech Music Community represents associations operating in the individual sectors of the music industry and defends the interests of cultural actors, thus trying to strengthen the CZ music industry and create a platform competitive in the international context. Our project responds to the current situation related to the negative impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the industry. The goal of the project is not only to educate representatives of our member organizations in the cultural business, but also to strengthen our organization and increase our effectiveness in mapping the music industry, promoting it, and advocating for the interests and needs of representatives of each segment.
The implementation of the project "Strengthening of the platform Czech Music Community" will develop and strengthen our organisation by filling the positions of "Music Secretary", "Fundraiser" and "PR Manager" in order to increase efficiency in mapping the music sector and its promotion, including communication with the government, institutions and the media. Furthermore, we will contribute to strengthening skills and competencies in the field of cultural entrepreneurship through training courses and workshops on law, funding, management and PR for representatives of a total of 20 organisations that are our members and that represent cultural actors in different areas of the music sector.
Summary of project results
The project helped lead a dialogue in the music sector and formulate the demands of this cultural sector towards the state, but also within the music sector. Seminars on various topics then helped the actors themselves in promoting competitiveness and broadening the horizons of knowledge. Also thanks to the implementation of this project, the Czech state established the "Status of an artist", although we are aware that it will still need to be revised in the future.
The implementation of workshops and training on the topics of accounting, financial literacy, copyright, promotion and communication of cultural activities and a long-term fundraising course were important for the participants, because they learned essential and practical information on which they can build their future entrepreneurial activities in the art sector or to review their previous business activities in the art sector, and which, unfortunately, are not taught anywhere in art schools. The leadership and management of the ČOH itself helped to coordinate activities and requests towards the MK CR (e.g. artist status), but also to coordinate topics within the music sector.
The project supported the strengthening of the capacity of the ČOH platform and the expansion of its scope and effectiveness in identifying the needs and defending the interests of all its members. Another benefit was the support for the development of skills and competences of representatives of member associations of the ČOH platform, especially entrepreneurs operating in the art sector, incl. students and teachers.