INTRODUCTION
EJN exists to support the development of creative improvised musics in Europe, and to create opportunities for artists, organisers and audiences to meet and communicate. Allied to this, EJN believes that creative music contributes to social and emotional growth, as well as economic prosperity. As an invaluable channel for inter-cultural dialogue, communication and collaboration, music is a positive force for understanding between people across borders.
It is knowledge that makes the world go round, especially here in Europe where we are evolving into a community dependent on technology, innovation and, above all, information. It is one of the principal reasons why this piece of research was long overdue for EJN, and why it will also be a powerful tool in how we shape our future.
Fiona Goh’s painstaking work confirms what we have all understood anecdotally but have struggled to articulate factually: that From these perspectives, EJN is proud we are the backbone of live performance, to present the results and findings of this that we are a significant employer, that we research project; Strength in Numbers are a substantial driver of cultural economic provides a wide range of information about activity at local, national and EU level and the quantitative and qualitative effects of our that our network is of systemic importance member organisations’ activities both in their to one of Europe’s most potent cultural own countries and internationally. As well assets. as publishing the detailed findings of this research study, EJN will support members in Along the way, she has unearthed inspiring disseminating the research findings both at a stories about our fellow members, and the case studies contained here paint national and European level. a rich canvas of diversity, ingenuity, As a network, we recognise the strategic entrepreneurialism and deep commitment to importance of research, and we see this the cause of creative music. We should be project as the first of many research-based grateful to her for the way in which she has initiatives to support and develop the gone about her research, overcoming the important work of EJN in the future. significant challenges that go with a project of this scale and ambition, working across Annamaija Saarela, twenty four different European borders. EJN President Despite our best efforts, her patience never faltered! Now, after several years of work, the research belongs to us. The findings of this research are relevant to each and every one of us, and will play a critical role in the advocacy space in which we must all be active. Throughout our membership, from Skopje to the east, Dublin to the west, Bari to the south and Trondheim to the north, this research shows how deeply we are woven into the fabric of public support for culture. In the years of austerity that lie ahead, we will be called upon to make a convincing case for that support as never before. Here is the knowledge we will need.
Gerry Godley, EJN Research Steering Group
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