1) When and how was A.R.I.A.C.S. born?
A.R.I.A.C.S. is the Association that has brought together numerous qualified Italian classical music and opera agencies since 1981. Since its foundation in Milan by a number of city agencies, ARIACS has worked to standardise the working methods of music agencies and to get all member offices to work exclusively with artists, which was not usual in the past, especially in the opera field.
2) Why A.R.I.A.C.S.?
Association of Italian Representatives of Concert and Show Artists.
3) What is the main activity?
The primary aim of ARIACS is to collaborate with all operators in the Italian music world to develop and safeguard Italy’s precious musical heritage, the pride and glory of our country throughout the world . ARIACS members meet periodically in different Italian cities on a rotating or telematic basis to discuss the problems of the category and their clients and then possible solutions. The Association has drawn up a standard model of representation mandate with the artists and has been fighting for years for a single contract model with the opera houses. It provides members with legal advice and maintains regular relations with other music organisations, such as ANELS, the Ministry of Culture and Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ENPALS/INPS, Artists’ Associations, AGIS, etc. It also constantly monitors and suggests Laws and Draft Laws concerning Music and Live Entertainment that it discusses and enriches during its Assemblies. ARIACS maintains its own website – ww.ariacs.it – which lists the names of its members and the artists they represent and is also a point of reference for the work of theatres and music organisers. It also has its own Facebook page, which allows a quick exchange of information useful for the work of the associated offices and beyond.
4) Why is it important to join A.R.I.A.C.S.?
Among its numerous institutional aims, A.R.I.A.C.S. also aims – given the extreme delicacy and complexity of the functions that the agent/representative brings together – to protect the indispensable professional requirements of its members, and only welcomes representatives who have demonstrated good professional conduct and respect for the profession’s even unwritten rules towards both artists and organisers.
5) What is your vision for the future activity?
Since 2020, A.R.I.A.C.S. has been part of the permanent table for opera and concerts, which was recognised by Law 4/2013 and interacts with institutions at all levels. For the future, A.R.I.A.C.S. intends to continue along the path of constant pressure, also on Parliament, to obtain all the official recognition that our category still lacks.
6) What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of live entertainment in Italy?
We representatives united in the A.R.I.A.C.S. firmly believe that the music world is a single “boat” with which all music operators have to face the turbulent sea of everyday life. If the boat is strong, we will avoid sinking all together. This is why our main concern is that the “music system” is well-functioning and healthy, i.e. that there is a large and growing audience, a good quality music offer, programmed with criteria of artistic value and in time by competent and honest people through the collaboration of equally competent and honest agents.
7) What role UNISCA can play?
A.R.I.A.C.S. hopes that UNISCA will be able to support our artistic and legislative battles and that it will be able to fully carry out its mission of research, coordination and support for the world of Music in Italy in particular, so that the level of employment of workers in the Performing Arts may grow and develop in the best possible way to the satisfaction of the public and of those who create Music and bring it to life.
