Why become a member?
Why become a member?
The Swedish Jazz Association (SJR) is a membership organization for non-profit unions with jazz as their field of interest. Most members organize concerts, but there are also unions that come together because of a common interest in jazz, such as the commemoration of a special tradition or musician. The Swedish Jazz Association is naturally always open to more members and the question why one should become a member is not entirely unwarranted.
Jazz speaks with one voice!
Perhaps the most important, but at the same time the most abstract argument for an independent association, is the unified argument. If one thinks alike then it makes sense to come together In a bid to promote change. Sure, we can like an eclectic mix of jazz and even have varying views of what jazz really is, but we are united on the importance of music and culture in society and jazz in particular. SJR works hard with various partners to improve the status of jazz. A membership in SJR strengthens jazz music’s collective mandate and is therefore a position that the association agrees with the simple assertion that jazz tradition and development are important. In order to have the association’s voice heard, a board featuring representatives from every region is in place. All unions are also welcome to participate in the Association's AGM jazz parliament.
Free membership
All member associations have free access to an online membership directory where they can manage the union’s member administration such as print labels and invoices, send messages (email and SMS), to produce different types of membership lists and more. If you have an updated membership directory, you can also receive invoices, and labels printed out and sent by mail from the offices of the Swedish Jazz Association.
Free annual fee on ticket booking system tickster.com
Member unions also get access to an easy and convenient ticket booking system which excludes them from paying the 5000kr annual fee. More information can be found on the service's own site. www.tickster.com
Discounts on Orkesterjournalen
Association members receive a 50kr discount on annual subscription of Orkesterjournalen, Sweden's most comprehensive trade magazine on jazz music.
Book subsidized touring productions
As part of Pulsslag (Pulse beat), which every year showcases four exciting new bands. Along with this, occasional efforts are made with different groups, concepts and projects that go on tour.
Support and advice from the Registry
Being a non-profit organization has its advantages, but it can also be a problem when suddenly in dire straits and unsure as to what to do. SJR has a small office which makes itself available and attempts to answer questions or help with inquiries.
Regional collaboration
All associations belong to a region in which representatives are invited to participate in one of several meetings a year to discuss how we can work together regionally. Some regions together host several tours per year which helps keep travel costs down as well as other synergies.
Financial support
Those unions that qualify for state grants can apply for this through the association instead of going though Kulturrådet (Swedish Arts Council). The terms and all one needs to know about support for organizing events can be found here www.kulturradet.se
Contact with the musicians
Many of our new member unions have commented on the good offers they have received from musicians soon after confirming their membership. The contacts page on swedejazz.se is the most visited by the nation's most active jazz musicians, and through that platform one may get great offers about great concerts.
Become a member!
If you wish to become a member, get in touch with a member of staff at the office. All you need to do is send in your statutes, a few lines about your union and contact details to the Board. The membership fee is tiered, where the majority of starts at 600kr per year. Those who receive government grants have a minimum fee per year of 5000kr and a maximum fee of 10 000kr.
