Exchange and Swiss music in the Federal Palace
The parliamentary groups "Music" and "Rock/Pop in the Federal Palace" met with members of the music associations. In the Galerie des Alpes of the Federal Palace in Bern, they listened to a lot of live Swiss music.
One after the other, on September 11, 2024, the YouthJazzOrchestra.ch, Eliane, Noah Veraguth (Pegasus), Marc Sway and Baschi and delighted the more than 120 attendees with their short performances. The invitation from the Swiss Music Council (SMR) and the Swiss Music Promoters Association (SMPA), which run the secretariats of the two parliamentary groups, was accepted by around 50 parliamentarians, representatives of the Federal Office of Culture and numerous representatives of music associations and music professionals.
Major challenges
The exclusive live moments were authentic and intimate. Attendees also became aware of the importance of the Swiss music industry and its coordinated commitment to music. Music is indeed included in the 2025-2028 Cultural Dispatch currently being discussed in parliament. However, the current and future challenges remain great, so that the framework conditions for music creators and event organizers can be maintained or shaped in such a way that the promotion of young talent and the enormous diversity that the Swiss music landscape has to offer can continue to be taken into account.
The National Council's decision on September 11 is currently met with absolute incomprehension. Contrary to the Federal Council's proposal, it wants to cut CHF 6.5 million from Pro Helvetia's budget. It is to be hoped that the Council of States will take countermeasures so that creative artists are not severely affected. In addition to the distribution of funds, it is also generally crucial that the commitment to the music industry, which is characterized by idealism and passion as well as a willingness to take private risks, is not undermined by even more hurdles.
About the SMPA
In the Swiss Music Promoters Association (SMPA) brings together the most important Swiss concert, show and festival organizers. In 2023, the 50 or so members organized over 2,000 major events for around 5 million visitors in all parts of the country, largely at their own risk. The event industry is an important economic factor for Switzerland and secures jobs and apprenticeships. Every year, SMPA members offer around 23,000 volunteers a meaningful leisure activity at their events. In addition, there is a strong commitment to culture: the proportion of Swiss artists booked for events is constantly increasing.
About the Swiss Music Council
The Swiss Music Council (SMR) is the largest and most influential lobbyist for the entire music sector in Switzerland. 55 associations from the entire Swiss music sector are united under its umbrella. It is committed to improving the cultural and educational policy framework for the creation, communication, dissemination and preservation of music in all its diversity. In collaboration with the Parliamentary Group for Music, it organizes one informative event per session for its members on politically relevant topics in the music sector. This exchange is very important both for those involved in the Swiss music industry and for members of parliament.
Parliamentary groups on the subject of music
There are three interest groups in Parliament that take care of music (source: List of members Parliamentary GroupParliamentary Services parliament.chas of September 2, 2024):
Music PGM: President Stefan Müller-Altermatt, Secretariat of the Swiss Music Council, 32 members. Purpose: "Information and discussion on music-related topics with a connection to politics. Exchange with representatives of the Swiss music sector.
Cooperation with the other cultural parliamentary groups."
Rock/Pop in the Federal PalaceCo-Presidency Daniel Jositsch and Sandra Sollberger, Secretariat Swiss Music Promoters Association SMPA, 38 members. Purpose: "To impart know-how in the areas of live entertainment, music, culture and events on topics such as withholding tax, prevention, VAT, copyright/SUISA, secondary ticket market/black market, sound and laser (VNISSG), security/health & safety, training, volunteer work, etc."
Folk culture & folk music: President Priska Wismer-Felder, Secretariat IG Folk Culture, 61 members. Purpose: "Raising awareness of folk culture & folk music"
