- The nation assumes responsibility for Gema charges linked to nightclub gatherings.
Thuringia has given a break to associations when it comes to paying fees for using music at events. They've struck a deal with the Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte (GEMA), which means the state will cover GEMA fees for up to four events per association in the second half of 2024. The State Chancellery made this known. It's mandatory to get a license when music is played publicly.
The events that qualify for this fee waiver should not exceed 500 square meters and have to be free for attendees. All non-profit, charity, and religious organizations operational in Thuringia, largely run by volunteers, will enjoy this perk. However, political organizations are not included in this rule.
Fair deal for everyone involved
The aim was to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that would profit both the volunteer organizations and the musicians backed by GEMA. This contract was not to put the artists backed by GEMA at a loss.
Associations already benefiting from a flat-rate deal with GEMA will also gain from this new contract – as long as they've got additional events not covered by their existing contracts.
This flat-rate deal is in line with the Thuringian Volunteer Law's assumption of GEMA fees, as stated in the resolution of the state parliament on December 20, 2023, and is being implemented by the Red-Red-Green coalition.
The Government in Thuringia has implemented this policy to cover GEMA fees for organizations, as it's crucial for political organizations to adhere to the rule of obtaining a license when music is played publicly. The State Chancellery, representing the Government, targeted this initiative to benefit both volunteer organizations and musicians, ensuring no financial loss for GEMA-backed artists.
