Contemporary Music Centre Representation Policy

1. Representation Categories

1.1 Associate Representation

This category is for composers and sound artists who have produced at least four works whose artistic merit has achieved a specific level of recognition as identified by the criteria set out below. Composers and sound artists who wish to be represented by the Contemporary Music Centre must follow the procedure for making an application for Associate Representation.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to be assessed for Associate Representation, kindly include documentation showing:

  • that you were born or have been permanently resident on the island of Ireland for three years or longer consecutively

  • completion of formal training in composition - normally this means holding an undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree in music composition or equivalent in independent study
  • sufficient period of establishment as a practising composer or sound artist
  • actively working in the area of contemporary art music (see scope below) at a professional level, where music composition forms the primary focus of your practice
  • completion of four or more original works that have been publicly presented and meet all other criteria (e.g., of at least 5 minutes duration).

Application Process

Associate Representation is open to applicants who meet all the criteria, including demonstrating a proven commitment to music composition as the primary focus as a composer or sound artist working at a professional level and establishing that they have produced a minimum of four works (of at least 5 minutes duration) which meet the following criteria. To satisfy the criteria, evidence must be provided that each work meets one of the following conditions:

i. has received a public performance or broadcast by a professional or amateur ensemble, broadcaster, soloist or curator who is independent of the applicant, or an installation in a venue open to the public;

  • a specific public performance event may only be used as evidence for one of the four works (i.e. if an event features three of your works, you may only use it as evidence for one of the works in your application)
  • ‘professional’ is interpreted as indicating that the performing artists were paid an appropriate professional fee. As with all criteria/elements of an application, this is assessed at the discretion of the independent selection panel.

ii. has been commissioned (financially) by a commissioning body which is independent of the applicant; 


  • the same commissioning body may only be used as evidence for one of the four works (i.e. if you have received three commissions from the same individual or organisation, you may use only one as evidence to support your application) 


iii. has been produced as the result of the receipt of a competitive and open financial grant; 


iv. has been released on a commercial recording, or as sheet music, or as a new media publication, by an established publisher which is independent of the applicant; 


  • the same recording may only be used as evidence for one of the four works in your application
  • composers and sound artists who rely exclusively on self-publishing should first attempt to meet the eligibility criteria using alternative conditions; should your work not satisfy other criteria, please contact the Contemporary Music Centre to discuss your representation application

v. has been the winner of an established and open competition, prize or award;

  • in selected prestigious awards, achieving a highly commended, finalist status or other place may be considered as meeting this criterion

Interested composers and sound artists must complete a formal application form and supply the supporting documents outlined in the check-list, as incomplete applications are not reviewed by the independent selection panel.

Entitlements

  • Documentation of an unlimited number of works in the collection (the composer or sound artist is responsible for lodging all works);
  • Dissemination of the composer’s or sound artist's work through the library collection and sound archive;
  • Documentation of ephemera featuring the composer or sound artist and their work (eg. press clippings, web resources, programme notes);
  • Access to the CMC’s score copying services to facilitate the retail sale of an unlimited number of unpublished works as physical scores, sets of performance parts, eScores and MP3s;
  • Access to the CMC’s Hire of Parts service to facilitate the use of performance parts of an unlimited number of large-scale unpublished works;
  • Access to individual Composer Page on cmc.ie (with biographical information using online tools provided by the CMC )
  • Active online promotion through CMC’s extensive web site, www.cmc.ie
  • Active promotional support in relation to national and international performances, commissions and other opportunities;
  • Access to CMC professional development programmes;
  • Access to composer eshots providing information on professional opportunities etc.

1.2 Full Representation

This category is for composers and sound artists whose collective body of work has been identified as representing a significant artistic contribution within their specific field and community of practice.

Eligibility and Application Process

An artistic panel convened by the Chair of the CMC’s Board of Directors meets (usually) bi-annually to review those composers and sound artists who currently have Associate representation status with the CMC. By reviewing the number and nature of works, performances and broadcasts lodged by each Associate composer or sound artist, the panel may elect to confer Full Representation status on any composer or sound artist.

All Associate composers and sound artists are automatically included in each review based upon the body of work they have lodged in the CMC’s collection. As there is no application process, Associate composers and sound artists should ensure that all of their works have been submitted for inclusion in the CMC’s collection.

The panel may also, at their discretion, elect to offer Full Representation status to a composer or sound artist who does not currently have Associate Representation status with the CMC.

Entitlements

  • Documentation of an unlimited number of works in the collection (the composer or sound artist is responsible for lodging all works);
  • Dissemination of the composer’s or sound artist's work through the library collection and sound archive;
  • Documentation of ephemera featuring the composer or sound artist and their work (eg. press clippings, web resources, programme notes);
  • Access to the CMC’s score copying services to facilitate the retail sale of an unlimited number of unpublished works as physical scores, sets of performance parts, eScores and MP3s;
  • Access to the CMC’s Hire of Parts service to facilitate the use of performance parts of an unlimited number of large-scale unpublished works ;
  • Access to individual Composer Page on cmc.ie (biographical information using online tools provided by the CMC );
  • Offline assistance to aid in the inclusion of their works in the collection;
  • Active online promotion through CMC’s extensive web site, www.cmc.ie -
  • Active promotional support in relation to national and international performances, commissions and other opportunities;
  • Access to CMC composer schemes such as archival recording, composer talks, CMC projects and professional development programmes;
  • Access to composer eshots providing information on professional opportunities etc. ;
  • Access to inclusion in CMC’s International promotion programmes and events;
  • Access to inclusion in CMC’s curated catalogues;
  • Access to inclusion on CMC’s promotional releases, new music:new Ireland