A New Partnership for Independent Music
The first strategic partnership of its kind for EMEE creates a framework for closer cooperation, knowledge exchange and international development between the European and Canadian independent music sectors.
The European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE) and the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation between the European and Canadian music industries.
The partnership, established through a Letter of Intent, sets out a framework for long-term collaboration between the two organizations and their respective networks. It reflects a shared commitment to supporting independent music, improving access to international markets and encouraging closer cooperation on issues affecting the music sector on both sides of the Atlantic.
The agreement comes at a time when the international music industry faces significant changes, from the evolving economics of digital distribution to growing competition in global markets. Both organizations recognize the importance of working together to address these challenges and create better conditions for the international development of music.
Strengthening Connections Between Europe and Canada
Europe and Canada have a long history of cultural exchange, with artists and music professionals regularly working across both markets. However, cooperation between the organizations supporting their respective music industries has considerable room to grow.
Through this partnership, EMEE and CIMA intend to develop a more consistent exchange of knowledge, expertise and opportunities between their networks.
The organizations will work to facilitate professional connections, share market intelligence and explore opportunities for joint initiatives. They also plan to exchange perspectives on policy developments and the challenges facing independent music businesses internationally.
The announcement comes at a significant moment as Canada, and the EU formalize a closer alliance and, more integrated relationship. The timing places the agreement within a wider context of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two regions.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
"This is the first strategic partnership of its kind for EMEE, and an important step in how we develop relationships with organizations beyond Europe. International cooperation has always been central to our work, but we believe there is real value in building closer, more structured relationships with partners who share our priorities and understanding of the music sector.
Canada is a natural partner for Europe. We share a commitment to cultural diversity, independent music and the need to create sustainable conditions for our industries to develop internationally. This agreement with CIMA gives us an opportunity to build on those shared priorities and strengthen the connections between our respective networks."
Corinne Sadki, President, European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE)
"We are particularly pleased that this partnership is taking shape at a time when Europe and Canada are discussing an even closer relationship in the EU. It is an interesting coincidence, but also a reminder that the relationships between our regions extend well beyond politics and trade.
Culture and the creative industries have an important role to play in bringing countries and communities closer together. Through this partnership, we want to make that connection more tangible by encouraging the exchange of knowledge, creating opportunities for music professionals and helping our respective organizations work more closely together.
For EMEE, the real value of this agreement will be in what we can build from it. We want to develop a relationship with CIMA that is practical, reciprocal and sustainable, and that creates opportunities for both European and Canadian music sectors. We also hope it will demonstrate that cultural cooperation should be part of the conversation when stronger international relationships are being developed, rather than something that follows afterwards."
Tamara Kaminska, Executive Director, European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE)
"This exciting new partnership between EMEE and CIMA arrives coincidentally at a time when both Canada's geopolitical focus has turned intently towards Europe and international markets have never been more important for the growth and sustainability for independent music businesses and the artists they serve. For decades CIMA has been bringing Canadian artists and music companies to Europe.
Navigating its diverse markets requires relationships, knowledge and connections on the ground. Through this partnership, we can create stronger links between Canada and the European organizations and networks that support international development. The opportunity to build on the strengths of both sectors and create greater possibilities for Canadian and European music businesses alike is crucial in the current globalized music marketplace."
Andrew Cash, President and CEO, Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA)
"CIMA’s partnership with EMEE is about building a stronger global ecosystem for collaboration between the organizations that represent and support independent music businesses and artists. There is considerable expertise on both sides of the Atlantic, and much to learn from one another as our industries respond to changing market conditions. This new partnership can deliver practical value for our members, strengthen the international independent music community broadly and create opportunities for future collaboration."
Shauna de Cartier, Chair of the Board of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA)
Areas of Cooperation
The Letter of Intent outlines several areas in which EMEE and CIMA intend to work together.
These include sharing research, market intelligence and practical knowledge about international music development, as well as maintaining a dialogue on policy issues and developments affecting the independent music sector.
The organizations will also explore opportunities for joint research, publications and industry initiatives, alongside potential cooperation in international advocacy and representation.
An important part of the agreement concerns the networks represented by both organizations. EMEE and CIMA intend to facilitate connections between Canadian independent music companies and European music export offices, helping professionals access relevant contacts, expertise and business opportunities in each other's markets.
The partnership also provides a basis for encouraging reciprocal participation in trade missions, showcases, industry conferences and professional development activities.
Specific projects and activities will be developed as the cooperation progresses, taking into account the priorities and resources of both organizations.
Looking Ahead
The agreement marks the beginning of a closer working relationship between EMEE and CIMA. Both organizations intend to maintain regular contact, identify opportunities for cooperation and review the progress of the partnership on an ongoing basis.
Beyond individual projects, the aim is to establish a lasting relationship that allows both networks to share experience, respond to common challenges and support the international development of their respective music sectors.
By working together, EMEE and CIMA hope to contribute to a stronger and more connected independent music industry, while creating new opportunities for the organizations and professionals they represent.
About EMEE:
The European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE) is a pan-European network of national and regional music export organizations. EMEE supports the international development of European music through research, market intelligence, strategic cooperation, policy engagement and knowledge exchange.
Its work focuses on strengthening cooperation between music export organizations and improving the conditions for European music to develop internationally.
Website - www.europeanmusic.eu
About CIMA:
Founded in 1975, the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is the national not-for-profit trade association representing more than 650 Canadian-owned music companies connected to over 6,000 artists and music industry workers in every province and territory in Canada. CIMA’s membership ranges from Canadian-owned global music labels to individual artists, managers, publishers, agents, live presenters, industry-adjacent service companies, including digital marketing, public relations and content creation as well as other national and provincial industry associations.
Website - www.cimamusic.ca