A Call for Inclusivity: Anti-Ageism Memorandum Launched to Combat Digital Exclusion of Senior Musicians

A Call for Inclusivity: Anti-Ageism Memorandum Launched to Combat Digital Exclusion of Senior Musicians
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DiPaCre (Bulgaria), in partnership with Vox Civica (Romania), AEGARE (Spain), and KEPDER (Turkey), is proud to announce the adoption of the Anti-Ageism Memorandum as a significant milestone of the Erasmus+ KA210 project Empowering Digital Transformations for Senior Musicians (2023-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000152921). This initiative seeks to combat ageism in the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) by addressing the digital exclusion of senior musicians, a growing concern in the era of rapid digital transformation.

Digital Exclusion: A Growing Barrier

Digital exclusion, a term recognized by the European Commission, highlights the systemic challenges faced by older generations in adapting to a digital-first world. As governments move toward e-governance and societies embrace online platforms, senior citizens are often left behind due to limited access to digital education and services. This issue is particularly acute for senior musicians, whose rich legacies helped shape the cultural landscapes of their time but who now face significant barriers in preserving and sharing their work on digital platforms.

Our research, conducted as part of the Erasmus+ project, underscores the need for urgent action. While countries like Turkey and Spain are leading the way with free digital upskilling courses for seniors, many non-for-profit societies and companies inadvertently create obstacles for senior musicians. These barriers arise because their services are not designed with older users in mind, leaving senior musicians unable to navigate streaming platforms, manage metadata, or monetize their works effectively.

A Call for Inclusivity

The Anti-Ageism Memorandum is a collective commitment to ensuring that all services within the creative and cultural industries are accessible to users of all ages. It highlights the following key actions:

  • Equal Access: Developing tailored learning opportunities for senior musicians to bridge the digital divide.
  • Age-Inclusive Design: Advocating for companies and organizations to design platforms that consider the needs of senior users.
  • Legacy Preservation: Emphasizing the importance of making the cultural legacy of senior musicians available on streaming platforms and other digital media.
  • Governmental Support: Encouraging governments to follow the examples set by Turkey and Spain by providing free digital education for seniors.

Honoring the Legacy of Senior Musicians

Senior musicians are not just artists; they are the architects of cultural heritage. Their work has inspired generations and contributed to the richness of our societies. In a world where streaming platforms dominate music consumption, it is imperative to ensure that their legacy remains accessible and celebrated. Overcoming digital barriers is not just about inclusion—it is about honoring their invaluable contributions to our shared cultural history.

A Unified Effort

The memorandum invites organizations, institutions, and stakeholders across the Creative and Cultural Industries to join this vital cause. By signing, they commit to integrating anti-ageism principles into their practices and fostering a future where creativity and innovation are enriched by the participation of all generations.

“Digital exclusion is not merely a technological issue; it is a social challenge that undermines the cultural richness of our societies. Senior musicians once built the vibrant cultural landscape we cherish today, and their contributions deserve to be preserved, celebrated, and accessible to all,” said Miroslav Gechev, Chairman of DiPaCre.

Download the Anti-Ageism Memorandum

The complete Anti-Ageism Memorandum is available for download on the DiPaCre website. Together, we can ensure that senior musicians are empowered to adapt to the digital age, safeguarding their legacy for future generations.

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