A discussion on musical diversity in Germany

GEMA has been supporting its members for many years through various programs. It is now realigning its largest area of cultural funding. The goal of this restructuring is to create a funding model that—unlike the current one—reaches all genres, promotes equal opportunity, and strengthens the diversity of the music scene—from contemporary art music to pop, jazz, rock, metal, and electronic music. At this joint event with the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, the key elements of the current and future funding structure will be presented in a concise format, and their contribution to regional and national scenes will be discussed with voices from artistic practice and education.

Panelists:

• Michelle Leonard, GEMA Supervisory Board member, multi-platinum-award-winning songwriter, and lecturer at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg
• Dr. Monika Staudt, GEMA Director of Funding Structures and Distribution, and Managing Director of the GEMA Foundation
• Moderator: Kathrin Greven, GEMA Director of Communications

Among other things, the discussion will address the following questions:
• How will access to GEMA’s cultural funding be structured in the future, and what contribution does it make to the diversity of the music scenes?
• To what extent does the realignment of cultural funding help GEMA fulfill its cultural mission in a spirit of solidarity?
• How do emerging creators benefit from GEMA’s funding and programs?

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, Hafenstraße 33, 68159 Mannheim (Room 001)

Note for members of the press: On-the-record interviews with the panelists will be available following the discussion. Please register by Monday, March 30, 2026, by emailing kommunikation@gema.de with your name and the name of your publication.

In Germany, GEMA represents the copyrights of over 100,000 members (composers, lyricists, music publishers) as well as over two million rights holders from around the world. It is one of the world’s largest authors’ societies for musical works.

The Popakademie Baden-Württemberg is a higher education institution and center of excellence for the music and creative industries and their pop culture scenes. By focusing its academic programs on the field of popular music—from both an economic and artistic perspective—it offers an academic education that is unique within Germany’s public higher education landscape. Numerous successful careers of musicians and creative professionals have been launched here.

Press contact:
GEMA
Katharina Reindlmeier
T +49 (0) 16094703557
E kreindlmeier@gema.de

Popakademie Baden-Württemberg
Lea Geissler
T 0621-53 39 72 48
E lea.geissler@popakademie.de