Photo © Robert Shack
How IMZ International Music + Media Centre places co-operation at the heart of its work
Co-operation is deeply rooted in the mission and operations of IMZ International Music + Media Centre, the international business network for cultural TV content.
The IMZ connects over 150 member organisations active at the intersection of performing arts and audiovisual media: public and private broadcasters, leading film production and distribution companies, opera houses, orchestras and dance companies like BBC, ARTE, ZDF, NHK, Unitel, C Major, EuroArts, Metropolitan Opera New York, Vienna State Opera, Opus Arte Royal Opera House, Berlin Phil, the London Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Boyz.
The IMZ furthermore aims to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for the sector. The IMZ Academy, a master class series on crucial trends and topics, addresses this goal in ways that place co-operation at its core.
Empowering the Cultural Sector Through Co-operation
The programme is designed to promote (young) talent and the professionalisation of the industry by inviting experienced practitioners to hold hands-on workshops in their area of expertise. At this year’s Academy, IMZ secured co-operations with organisations like the London Symphony Orchestra, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Opera North and the Polish National Opera.
As well as equipping young and established professionals with industry-specific skills and knowhow, a further aim is to empower the sector via interdisciplinary collaborations and sustainable networks. IMZ Academies use small group sizes, team activities and social gatherings to ensure connecting, networking and exchange.
Participants and speakers from all over the world open up new horizons, perspectives and possibilities, thus enhancing the learning experience as well as the global reach of the newly-formed network.
The IMZ Academy was initiated in 2013 in order to tackle challenges and opportunities for the performing arts and the cultural film sector. This year, two editions – one focusing on orchestra, the other on opera – help arts institutions promote and position themselves in the digital word.
Staying “Fresh, Energising and Timely”
The Orchestra Academy was held in August in London with 27 professionals from 17 institutions originating from 7 countries. In order to foster sustainable bonds and co-operation, the IMZ created a platform on which participants can continue to exchange.
The IMZ Academy for Opera in the Digital Age was held on 28-29 September in the course of the International Television Festival Golden Prague, enabling participants to engage with other representatives from the IMZ community such as delegates from the European Broadcasting Union, cultural institutions, production companies and broadcasters.
Participants learnt how to bring a recording to life, market a 16-hour opera, reach viewers at a polar station and what Shakespeare has to do with emojis. Because one of the most important co-operations for performing arts institutions is with their audiences. And we need to communicate and connect with them in fresh, energising and timely ways.
To learn more about the IMZ Academy and other IMZ activities, please visit www.imz.at