Photo by Lawrence Chismorie on Unsplash
Italy’s live music industry has called for tax breaks for smaller events and tougher restrictions on ticket resales at a parliamentary hearing.
Assomusica president Carlo Parodi gave his support to the recently introduced Culture Decree, which introduces a national framework to support arts and culture across Italy. Introduced in December, the decree has offered support, including financial assistance, to libraries, publishing and other cultural entities. It also seeks to promote the cultural regeneration of the suburbs and disadvantaged areas.
The hearing, taking place over three days from Tuesday, gives stakeholders the opportunity to discuss Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli’s decree before it is converted into legislation. Among those called to give evidence were Assomusica’s Parodi and Enzo Mazza, the chief executive of Federation of the Italian Music Industry (FIMI).
Assistance for small-scale events
In sections regarding live music, the Culture Decree makes it easier to organise events which attract up to 2,000 people. Organisers must simply present a SCIA (Certified Notification of Commencement of Activity) without having to negotiate more complex hurdles with local authorities.
Citing live music’s positive contribution to the wider economy, Assomusica’s Parodi used his appearance at the hearing to call for this privilege to be extended to events with attendances of 2,500.
“Our events have seen great public participation, significantly involving young people and communities of small villages,” Parodi said.
“This [SCIA] rule has been fundamental in encouraging municipalities to promote cultural events, with positive repercussions on the local economy. This is why we propose to further extend its effectiveness by increasing the maximum number of participants allowed to 2,500.”
Action on ticketing and tax credits
Another central theme was the fight against the phenomenon of secondary ticketing, defined by Parodi as “a problem that undermines the foundations of live music, penalising consumers and the entire supply chain”.
In a call for action, Parodi added: “We already collaborate with the Guardia di Finanza and AGCOM, but more incisive regulatory tools are needed to curb this speculative practice.”
In another proposal to further support the sector, Parodi called for a tax credit for live shows with fewer than 5,000 spectators.
He said: “This would be a tool and a concrete signal for live music entrepreneurs, who until now have not benefited from direct aid such as that provided for the sectors protected by the National Fund for Live Entertainment.”
In his evidence, FIMI’s Mazza highlighted the positive trend of the music market. However, he proposed targeted interventions to continue to prosper, such as an increase in the tax credit. He also called for the restoration of the Bonus Cultura, the programme which provides a €500 cultural pursuits voucher to citizens when they turn 18.
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