The recognition caps an extraordinary period for The Ivors Academy and reflects a landmark year of progress in our mission to protect, empower and celebrate songwriters and composers.
Over the past 12 months, we have relaunched The Ivors Academy with a renewed purpose and international outlook, resulting in unprecedented membership growth and the establishment of our first formal presence outside the UK through the launch of The Ivors Academy in Ireland. This marks the first step in our ambition to support songwriters and composers around the world.
With membership now open globally, alongside our free Discovery tier, it has never been easier for songwriters and composers to join our community, support our campaigns, connect with peers and access exclusive benefits and opportunities.
Our advocacy work has continued to deliver meaningful change. We secured the adoption of unrecoupable per diems from UK major label groups, a world-first achievement that sets a new benchmark for the fair treatment of songwriters and composers.
We have also remained at the forefront of discussions around AI, calling for authorisation, remuneration and transparency, while continuing to advocate for stronger music education. With media composers, we have challenged the practice of ghostwriting and unfair commissioning practices, ensuring their concerns are heard across the industry.
This month marked one of the most significant celebrations of songwriting and composing in our history.
At The Ivors with Amazon Music, we presented Elton John with an Ivors Academy Honour and announced him as our new President, recognising both his extraordinary contribution to music and his longstanding commitment to championing creators' rights. The event attracted global attention, shining a spotlight on the cultural and economic value of songwriters and composers worldwide.
Alongside The Ivors, we launched The Ivors Academy Honours to celebrate the individuals and organisations helping to create a better music industry for songwriters and composers.
We also announced The Ivors Composer Awards, creating a new, unified platform to celebrate composers across all genres and disciplines.
Last week, The Ivors Academy Summit returned, bringing together songwriters and composers for a programme designed to provide the knowledge, insights and connections needed to navigate the industry and make informed decisions about their careers.
The insights shared at the Summit continue to inform our growing Knowledge Toolkit, and this November we will launch a dedicated Composer Summit to further support composers at every stage of their careers.
Speaking to Billboard UK, Roberto said: "Songwriters and composers are the most valuable people in music. Everything is built on their creativity. There is no music industry without music creators, and the future of our business depends on protecting their livelihoods."
