ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ircam Opens to All Music Under Stiegler

opinion-review · 2026-04-23

The Ircam (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique) has broadened its scope beyond classical avant-garde to embrace popular music, under the leadership of philosopher Bernard Stiegler, its current director. Successive directors Pierre Boulez and François Bayle also contributed to this opening. With resources representing 10% of the Centre Pompidou's staff and budget, Ircam has hosted around 150 composers. This editorial defends the institution against criticism of being a costly entity producing little music.

Key facts

  • Ircam has opened to all music, including popular music.
  • Bernard Stiegler is the current director of Ircam.
  • Previous directors include Pierre Boulez and François Bayle.
  • Ircam's resources represent 10% of Centre Pompidou's staff and budget.
  • Around 150 composers have worked at Ircam.
  • The editorial responds to criticism of Ircam as a spendthrift institution.

Entities

Artists

  • Pierre Boulez
  • François Bayle
  • Bernard Stiegler

Institutions

  • Ircam
  • Centre Pompidou

Locations

  • Paris
  • France

Sources