
The Musical Societies are undoubtedly a complex phenomenon that considerably transcends its musical dimension, setting up a universe of services
The Musical Societies are undoubtedly a complex phenomenon that considerably transcends its musical dimension, setting up a universe of services. An illustrative scheme, with an Input-Output perspective, gives us the approximation of Rausell and Estrems (1999) and allows us to visualize the complex relationship of variables involved in the process.
The variety of objectives, the diversity of resources given as well as the multiplicity of areas of reference and negotiation (directive, associative core, local and regional administrations, collaborating and financial entities, etc.) give the management process great complexity .
In 2010, a study was carried out for this same research unit in the context of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Federation of Musical Societies of the Valencian Community, said federation is in the process of drawing up a WHITE BOOK OF MUSICAL SOCIETIES, with the intention of approaching the dimension and socio-economic relevance of the Valencian musical association movement, which represents one of the three most unique of the Valencian idiosyncrasy
The links between musical societies and the territories where they are created not only reinforce the sense of identity and social cohesion, but also produce clear externalities for local economies. An economic approach to musical societies carried out in 1999 in collaboration with the economist and musician José Antonio Estrems points out that the global budget of these groups, for 1991, was around 3,500 million pesetas (around 21 million 'euros), although later estimates put it at 5,000 million pesetas (more than 30 million euros). In 2008, the total budget had reached 50 million euros. In 2009, already with the notable effect of the crisis, music societies had revenues of €46,606,518 and expenses of €45,284,899, figures that marked the end of a period of expansion characterized by rates of growth above 4%. By province, Valencia, where 60% of the musical societies are based, concentrated 65.45% of the budget, while Alicante took 22% and Castelló remained with 12.6%, proportionally with the number of musical societies (26% and 14%, respectively). In the revenue section, 77% came from the provision of services, while only 21% (9.5 million euros) corresponded to subsidies from the Generalitat, provincial councils and town councils. The percentage casts doubt on the widespread belief that the survival of musical societies depends to a large extent on aid from different levels of government.
This economic importance is even greater if we point out that when we talk about budgets we are only talking about part of the global economic impact of the activities carried out by the Musical Societies. We think first of all about the multiplier effect that the expenses of the Musical Societies have on other industries or related activities (from music publishing, the phonographic industry, the industry of musical instruments, education, etc.), and we think in all the "gray economy" generated around its activities that is not reflected in the budget notes.
You can consult more information on the economic impact of musical societies in the next link
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