Copyright Plenary Vote (12th September 2018) – A final opportunity to safeguard the future of Irish and European culture
On September 12th, you will have the opportunity to vote to protect Irish music and culture. This is a crucial vote, not only for Irish musicians, but for all creators.
The future of Irish culture is in the balance.
Please vote yes.
In recent years, technology has driven change. It has grown our economy, created jobs and opened up new conversations on a host of issues. A lot of this change has been positive. Of course, technology has been helpful.
But that doesn’t mean that we must listen to everything that these companies say.
It doesn’t mean we can’t question what they do.
It doesn’t mean that we forget about our culture. Our stories, our melodies, our language and our lilts – they are a huge part of what makes us Irish.
No website could ever replace culture. No tweet or ‘like’ could alter what is within our souls.
Technology has been good for music and will continue to be. The two can work hand-in-hand. There’s no question of that.
The question on September 12th is one of fairness.
Music has been very good for technology. However, many large multinational companies – household names – have been exploiting artists’ work, for no return.
These companies have been profiting on the back of the creative sector, driving revenues from the likes and shares of people all around Europe.
That’s just not fair.
We now have an opportunity to change this. To protect our artists, our writers, our singers, our creators.
If the copyright proposals are rejected by Parliament, many Irish artists will simply not be able to go on.
This is not about censorship. It is not about ‘breaking the internet’. It is not about banning content.
It is about asking technology companies to finally take responsibility and pay for what they use.
Now is the time to decide.
Do we want to continue to accept everything these companies tell us, everything they do?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have had many years of opportunity, of being able to share my creations with the world.
I want the next generation to have these opportunities too.
Please be strong for Irish culture.
Please vote yes on September 12th.
Eleanor McEvoy | IMRO Chairperson
