Principles of the Irish Jazz Forum
These principles guide our work as a collective voice for jazz in Ireland, ensuring we represent the breadth and diversity of our community with integrity, transparency, and collaboration.
Who We Are
The Irish Jazz Forum is a collective voice for jazz in Ireland. We bring together professional organisations, festivals, venues, musicians, educators, media representatives, and audience voices, alongside grassroots and emerging initiatives. Together, we represent the breadth and diversity of Ireland's jazz community.
Why We Exist
The Forum was created to:
- Represent and advocate for jazz practitioners and organisations at national level
- Address the structural, organisational, and fiscal supports needed for jazz in Ireland
- Secure a sustainable future for artists, audiences, and the wider community
- Ensure that jazz is clearly and fairly represented within national music policy and cultural strategy
- Provide a unified voice for jazz, built through shared discussion and collective agreement
Our Intent
Through collective discussion, surveys, fact-gathering, and comparative research with our European neighbours, the Forum will present clear recommendations to Government and the Arts Council, setting out the minimum requirements needed to sustain and grow jazz in Ireland.
This work depends on every member sharing data, insight, and experience — our recommendations will be as strong as the collective knowledge we bring together.
We are committed to gathering and publishing data regularly, creating a clear evidence base to track progress and inform future policy.
Our Goals
National Recognition
Establish a recognised national voice for jazz, trusted by Government and funders
Sustainable Funding
Secure increased, sustainable funding for jazz at local, regional, and national levels
Infrastructure Development
Strengthen touring networks, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues across Ireland
Fair Working Conditions
Advocate for sustainable artist fees, employment standards, and career pathways
Education & Development
Support jazz education initiatives, youth programmes, and professional development
Audience Growth
Expand and diversify audiences through innovative programming and community engagement
Cross-Border Collaboration
Foster all-island partnerships and strengthen connections with international networks
Inclusion & Diversity
Ensure the sector reflects Ireland's diverse communities and removes barriers to participation
Our Core Values
Collaboration
Sector-first, not organisation-first
Transparency
Open communication and shared information
Inclusion
Representation of diverse voices, regions, and identities
Integrity
Artistic independence and fair representation
Sustainability
Long-term thinking, environmental responsibility, and fair working conditions