At the SACEM CONNECT evening held at Ti Sable, professionals, institutions and artists came together with a clear objective: to structure and professionalize the Martinican music industry. A seminal event where words from the field, concrete measures and genuine calls for unity to help practices evolve.
Music as an economic and cultural lever
Around the SACEM (Société des Auteurs, Compositeurs et Éditeurs de Musique –Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers)Emmanuelle Bruch, and Alain Marlin, Chairman of SACEM’s Board of Directors, a number of key local players took part in the event:
- ★ Pierrette Betto (CNM – Centre National de la Musique – National Music Center)
- ★ Julie Rosenkranz (GIP Cafés-Cultures)
- ★ George Louisia and Alfred Salomon for the Collectivité Territoriale de Martinique – Territorial Collectivity of Martinique(CTM)
- ★ Johan Hilel Hamel for the Direction des Affaires Culturelles – Department of Cultural Affairs (DAC)
- ★ Serge Notte for France Travail (French national public employment agency) / GUSO (Guichet unique du spectacle occasionnel – Simplified administrative service for occasional hiring in the live performance industry)
- ★ Christophe Lupon for UMIH Martinique (Union des Métiers et des Industries de l’Hôtellerie)
- ★ And Diego Esteban, host of the evening and manager of Ti Sable
A variety of support schemes were presented: creative residencies, support for distribution, intermittent work grants, support for the equipment of cultural venues, support for project structuring and professional training.
The GIP Cafés Cultures has been highlighted as a flagship scheme to enable cafés, hotels, restaurants and local authorities to hire artists legally, thanks to partial coverage of fees and social charges. An essential tool for professionalizing the local scene.
Persistent obstacles, collective solutions
Discussions at SACEM CONNECT were lively and often frank, focusing on key issues such as delays in institutional payments, lack of suitable venues, undeclared artists and lack of awareness of the system. Testimonies from artists and presenters highlighted the complexity of the system, but also the need to change practices at all levels.
“Artists must refuse to play under the table. And presenters must assume their role as employers. Together, we can make a difference.” – Diego Esteban, Ti Sable.
The idea of a music industry contract for Martinique, inspired by the one set up in La Réunion, was raised as a structuring lever.
A first step towards a lasting dynamic
More than a simple presentation of systems, this evening was an opportunity to connect the players in the same cultural ecosystem, who are often isolated in their respective realities. By initiating this format, SACEM is laying the foundations for a shared governance dynamic, in the service of a stronger, fairer and more economically viable music industry.
“This is just the beginning. But together – artists, restaurateurs, institutions – we can go further.” – Emmanuelle Bruch, SACEM Martinique-French Guiana.
An evening that ends with music
The event couldn’t have ended any other way than with a musical atmosphere worthy of its ambition. On the Ti Sable open stage, several artists offered a festive and warm moment of sharing: Maher Beauroy, Brice Bapté, the group EKANGA with Loy Sonja, Lanah, Politik Nai and their musicians. An idyllic setting, with your feet in the sand, to remind us that music is above all an art of encounter and a formidable driving force for bonding and transformation.
Practical guide - Organizing a musical event
Scan the QR-code or click HERE for a guide to organizing a musical event.
