On December 5, 2024, the Bulgarian Music Association (BMA), with the support of PROPHON, presented shocking results from a two-year study titled "Mapping the Music Sector in Bulgaria."

The project is part of BMA's sectoral initiatives and sheds light on critical issues that place professional musicians in the country under significant economic and social challenges. It also systematizes data on performance venues, festivals, and funding programs that can support musicians' professional development.

One of the most alarming findings of the study is that the majority of Bulgarian musicians earn monthly incomes between 1,000 and 1,500 BGN, despite their extensive education and over 20 years of professional experience. This underscores the sector's severe socio-economic instability and the urgent need for legislative reforms.

Key Findings and Conclusions:

• Low income for musicians: Most musicians in Bulgaria earn monthly incomes between 1,000 and 1,500 BGN, with the majority being freelancers primarily engaged in concert activities.
• Insufficient educational and legal knowledge: Musicians face significant deficits in understanding the tax and social security system and copyright laws, which limits their professional sustainability.
• Lack of international mobility: Many Bulgarian musicians lack the resources to participate in international events, hindering their global competitiveness.
• Educational gaps: While 80% of active musicians have professional music education, there is a pressing need to update curricula and integrate business modules.
• Outdated performance venues: Most performance spaces are located in community centers, and their infrastructure and technical equipment are outdated and in disrepair.

As part of the project, the Bulgarian Music Association developed the mobile app "Musical Guide to Performance Venues in Bulgaria." It provides information about all identified music venues in the country, including their conditions for use. The app is highly beneficial for musicians and event organizers, helping them easily find concert venues and plan their events.

The "Mapping the Music Sector in Bulgaria" study highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to support the music sector. This includes legislative reforms to regulate musicians' status and creating stable and sustainable financial and social conditions. The Bulgarian Music Association calls for the establishment of specialized funding instruments, infrastructure improvement, and support for the professional development of musicians in the country.

BMA plans to continue its work on studying the music sector. This includes researching the technical condition and equipment of public-sector performance venues, their staffing needs, and marketing strategies, in partnership with the Union of Artists in Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian Music Association urges institutions and the cultural sector to join forces for the sustainable development of Bulgaria's music industry. In this context, the "Mapping the Music Sector in Bulgaria" project and the new "Musical Guide to Performance Venues in Bulgaria" app are important steps toward addressing these challenges.