Decision at STIM's extraordinary general meeting to phase out the grading
STIM held an extraordinary general meeting on Monday, 12 December to vote on phasing out the so-called grading and at the same time present a direction for a new support model. The meeting decided in accordance with the board's proposal – to phase out the grading with effect at the turn of the year 2023/2024.
The grading was introduced in its current form 30 years ago to support music of high complexity that is commercially difficult to sustain on its own. Musical works have been graded based on a number of factors, which has subsequently affected remuneration. And while the higher purpose is extremely important – to stimulate diversity in music – the method has long been debated. STIM has examined the system and concluded that it has had significant shortcomings in effectiveness and targeting accuracy.
Music-promotion work within the STIM sphere
In recent years STIM has carried out a major development effort of its special music-promotion activities, which are run together with the associations FST, Skap and Musikförläggarna. The aim is to create as much value as possible from the volume of efforts made for the Swedish music scene and the next step is to develop a new, effective support model for a diversity of musical expressions. The decision to phase out the grading was an important prerequisite for that.
Work on a new support model has been intensive during the year and a first sub-model, a special performance support, has already been approved by the board. The performance support will be directed at music made available by music users with a particular diversity profile, for example important live music venues.
"Now we can move forward to strengthen the diversity of musical expressions in Swedish music. The members' decision was an important step in developing a new support that is built on inclusion, precise targeting and transparency. STIM is a collective and together we have the power to make a real difference. We will use that power now, for both artistic breadth and long-term sustainable renewal within the Swedish music scene," says Sofie Marin, head of the music-promotion activities at STIM.
