THE POWER OF JAZZ:
NETWORKING, MOBILITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE FOREWORD: Professor Tony Whyton University of Salford, UK Project Leader, Rhythm Changes: Jazz Cultures and European Identities
There has been a long and diverse history of jazz in Europe. Since the music’s inception, jazz has been at the centre of debates about European identity, politics and cultural value. Over the course of the 20th century, the music was adopted, absorbed and transformed within different national settings to the point where, today, it plays an important part in the artistic life of almost every European country. This spread of musical influence is evidenced in the growth of the work of a number of national music agencies, information centres and arts organisations devoted to celebrating and supporting the role of jazz in different national settings. These organisations provide an important role in celebrating the rich legacy of jazz in individual European countries and, more importantly, in ensuring that music continues to be supported, nurtured and developed as a lifelong pursuit. Whilst there is a growing, and necessary, need to celebrate the way in which jazz has been created and developed within the boundaries of individual countries, a more profound power of the music stems from its ability to transcend borders. Jazz, in its various incarnations, spans different social categories, from race to class, gender to generational interest. A simple visit to any European jazz festival today would reveal the music’s ability to reach different audiences and to speak for a diverse range of people. Moreover, in a European context, jazz is not just a national music but a model of transnational innovation; the music supports the mobility of artists, the sharing of knowledge, and the benefits of cultural exchange. In a political context where there is often a fine line between xenophobia and nationalist sentiment, jazz provides us with a powerful symbol of European diversity, networking and the positive impact that the influence of other cultures can bring.
Against this backdrop, Europe Jazz Network draws on a wealth of experience and professionalism that has mobilized jazz, invested in the development of musicians and audiences, and provided an exemplary model for the benefits of European interaction and exchange. This is a remarkable achievement, given the history of under-funding and lack of recognition that jazz has received in many European settings and, indeed, the limited resources of a majority of the network’s members today. Whilst the artistic achievements of a number of European jazz musicians and their profound influence on audiences around the world is easily identifiable, it is the unsung work of venues, festivals, support agencies and promoters that fosters creativity and innovation and helps to define Europe’s artistic place in the world. Europe Jazz Network provides a key infrastructure for jazz across Europe and its influence is felt both within and beyond the boundaries of the continent. Europe Jazz Network’s membership has been responsible for transforming the landscape of different European arts scenes and played a significant role in supporting new initiatives, from regeneration projects to events that encourage cultural tourism, from the celebration of cultural heritage to education programmes. This report should be a welcome publication not only for the EJN membership but also for arts organisations, policy makers, funding agencies and potential network members. The study documents the working practices and activities of the EJN membership, who make an impressive contribution to public life across Europe. These activities are incredibly diverse, ranging from the delivery of large scale international festivals to the management of historic venues, the running of national agencies to the entrepreneurial activities of promoters and small and medium enterprises. The network invests in new work through activities such as commissioning and artist development, and EJN members are experts in innovative programming, forming creative partnerships and engaging a diverse audience. In a time of economic uncertainty, this study demonstrates, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the strength, ingenuity and vision of the EJN membership and the quality and creativity of the network as a whole. These findings illustrate EJN’s vital role as a powerful advocate for jazz and the network’s potential for shaping the European arts scene in the future. iv