Upskilling performers in the digital data exchange standards of the streaming platforms

The project’s objective is to upskill and support performers to leverage their opportunities in the digital supply chain, monetizing the online content and protecting their intellectual property. It will be supported through (1) exchange of best practices and competences for gaining access to knowledge for improving the overall positioning of performers and (2) providing guidance for revenue opportunities for performing artists through the creation of a competence center for digital transformation.

Aksantys, together with project partners, will perform:

  1. Research, analysis, and guidelines for support in using the existing standards, platforms, and legislation. 
  2. Establishment of a forward-thinking digital transformation competence center and pilot training.

As a result, we will set up a virtual forward-looking competence center for digital transformation, create a virtual space, and publish a digital knowledge vault containing guidelines and educational resources. We will also provide a hands-on training session walking the participants through key areas of the content.

Partners: Culture Hub Bulgaria, Istanbul University

Project funding: Erasmus+ European Commission

Project duration: March 2022-August 2023

The first project meeting was held in Sofia from July 1st to July 3rd.

The project partnership met for the first time in Sofia, Bulgaria, from July1-3, 2022. The partners’ organisations and activities were presented by the attendees.

After the project coordinator gave an overview of the activities, there was a protracted, in-depth discussion of the project’s subjects. The two project activities’ specific implementation strategies were deliberated and decided upon.

Paris Meeting: An Important Turning Point for the Metadata Project

Introduction

An important meeting took place in the charming city of Paris, laying the groundwork for the future of the Metadata Project. The goal of this joint venture between the University of Istanbul – Türkiye, Aksantys France, and the Culture Hub Bulgaria Foundation is to enable independent artists in the field of digital content distribution. This article delves into the crucial Paris meeting, when participants deliberated over the survey outcomes and established the course for the project’s subsequent phases.

Contextualising: The Metadata Initiative

Let’s review the main goals of the Metadata Project before getting into the meeting. It was designed to give independent artists the resources and skills they need to navigate the constantly changing world of digital content distribution. Together, these three prestigious institutions aim to provide performing artists with invaluable training and effect real change.

The Paris Meeting: A Coming Together of Thoughts

The gathering in Paris, which took place in a beautiful setting, represented global cooperation and common goals. The representatives of Aksantys France, the University of Istanbul – Türkiye, and the Culture Hub Bulgaria Foundation convened to assess the results of a survey administered to independent performers.

Surveying Independent Performers: Insights Unveiled

Understanding the particular difficulties, requirements, and goals of independent performers in the field of digital content distribution was made possible in large part thanks to the survey. It sought to identify the materials, equipment, and expertise needed by performers in order to succeed. The survey’s findings were extremely insightful and served as the foundation for the project’s future growth.

The survey’s most notable finding was the urgent need for thorough training to handle the complexities of digital material delivery. Artists voiced a need for easily accessed instructional resources that would enable them to efficiently manage their online presence and connect with a larger audience.

Reached a Milestone: Creating a Future Course

Stakeholders were able to analyse survey results, glean insights, and lay the groundwork for the project’s next phase at the Paris meeting.

The meeting’s determination of the goals for the next training session was one of its main outcomes. This session would give attendees the know-how and resources they need to succeed in the field of digital content distribution. Subjects covered would include audience interaction tactics, internet promotion, and metadata management, all tailored to the particular requirements of independent performers.

In addition, the gathering commemorated the establishment of the Competence Hub, a vital component of the Metadata Project. For performers, this online resource centre will serve as a one-stop shop for instructional resources, industry best practises, and professional advice. It will act as a safe haven on the internet where independent performers can refine their skills and stay updated on industry trends.

Sofia’s Four-Day Pilot Training from 27th to 30th September 2023: Empowering Independent Performers

The beautiful city of Sofia, Bulgaria, recently played host to an intensive four-day pilot training, a transformative event that promised to equip independent performers with essential skills and knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the highlights of this educational adventure, exploring how it empowered participants and set a new course for independent performers in the digital era.

The recent pilot run of a tutorial in Sofia, Bulgaria marked a significant step in empowering independent performers for the digital age. This four-day program covered an array of essential topics, from the critical importance of Metadata, which serves as the backbone of digital content distribution, to the intricacies of Copyright, ensuring that artists are well-equipped to navigate the legal landscape. Understanding the History of the music industry shed light on the evolution of music distribution and how it shaped the present digital landscape.

Exploring Digital platforms and Digital data exchange standards, participants learned how to leverage these platforms effectively and adhere to the standards that drive the music industry. This pilot run of the training was just the beginning, and it’s expected that the team will continue to upgrade the curriculum, ensuring it remains relevant in an ever-evolving digital world. The sustainability of the project is a primary target, with the goal of enriching the independent music scene and equipping artists with the tools they need to succeed in the digital era.

What set this tutorial apart was its practical component, a live training session where participants witnessed the process of uploading musical products for distribution to streaming platforms. This was a hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their newfound knowledge immediately. The session also emphasized the importance of meticulous metadata entry, highlighting its role in enhancing the discoverability and success of music on digital platforms.

The tutorial’s holistic approach aimed to empower independent performers, ensuring they possess the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in today’s digital music landscape. This initiative sets the stage for a brighter future for independent performers, with a commitment to continuous improvement and long-term project sustainability.