SIAE Launches Italia Music Export with €50,000 Fund for Italian Artists Abroad

SIAE, Italy's main copyright collective, has launched Italia Music Export, a national office based in Milan and managed by Nur Al Habash, former director of Rockit, to support Italian music internationally. The initiative, under the patronage of MiBACT, aims to restore international relevance to Italian music and promote a contemporary image of Italian creativity. The first concrete measure is the Supporto Showcase 2018 fund, which provides financial assistance for artists to participate in European showcase festivals. Additionally, two calls for funding have been announced: one for artists to develop and promote tours abroad, and another for operators (labels, publishers, managers, booking agencies, distributors) to attend international showcase festivals and fairs. A total of €50,000 has been allocated, with 70% for the Artists Call and 30% for the Operators Call. The Artists Call has two phases: the first open until February 25, and the second from May 2 to June 4. The Operators Call is open until February 25. SIAE President Filippo Sugar emphasized that this is the first concrete institutional support for promoting Italian music abroad, which previously relied on individual efforts by artists, labels, and management.