The Grands Formats team will once again be attending Jazzahead in Bremen from 23 to 25 April.
Every year, this major event provides an opportunity to bring together our French and European members, catch up with our partners, and forge links with various figures in the European jazz scene.
Voice For Jazz Musicians in Europe, of which the Grands Formats federation is a founding member, will be organising the panel discussion “European Jazz Festivals: Not a great market for Europeans?” on the subject of artistic diversity in the line-ups of European jazz festivals, on Saturday 25 April at 2.30 pm in the Jazzahead Konferenzraum:
Jazz, which originated in the United States, has evolved into a significant global phenomenon. Over recent decades, Europe has emerged as a major market for North American jazz artists. However, despite the worldwide growth of jazz education and audiences, the flow of artists remains largely unidirectional. Few European jazz artists are invited to tour the United States, indicating an ‘export-only’ dynamic.‘Voice for Jazz Musicians in Europe’, a Paris-based association established in 2023, advocates for a more equitable representation of European and non-European ensembles at European jazz festivals. Targeted strategies are required to enhance interest in and recognition of accomplished musicians from neighboring European countries. The current emphasis on booking artists from non-European territories, particularly North America, merits critical examination. Collaborating with European musicians provides environmental benefits, such as a more sustainable infrastructure and reduced carbon footprint, as well as increased diversity within jazz cultures.
Speakers: Marina Fernández (Director of the Jazz Cádiz Festival, Co-Director of the Jazzahara Festival and Coordinator of Plataforma Jazz España), Eric Birath (CEO and Artistic Director of Fasching and Director of the Stockholm Jazz Festival), Fleurine Verloop (President of BiMpro (Netherlands) and of VJME)
Moderated by Pedro Cravinho (President of Portugal Jazz (Portuguese Jazz Network) and Vice-President of VJME)
