The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) introduced the IPRS Stage at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024 in Panaji, Goa, marking a major collaboration between one of India’s leading rights management organizations and a prominent arts festival.
The initiative aligns with IPRS‘s focus on promoting regional and folk music while addressing industry challenges such as copyright enforcement and artist recognition.
Running from December 15 to 22, the IPRS Stage showcased a curated lineup of performances that included Mythical Melodies by Dr. Ulka Mayur, Discovering Hidden Melodies of India by Folks Wagon, and Jaadoo Bastar by Daira, a project combining tribal music from Chhattisgarh with contemporary elements. These acts aimed to connect traditional music forms with modern audiences and highlight their role in India’s creative economy.
A key component of the initiative was the December 19 panel, “Navigating Intellectual Property Rights in the Music Industry.” The session featured Rakesh Nigam (CEO, IPRS), Atul Churamani (MD, Turnkey Music), Mayur Puri (lyricist and IPRS Board Member), and Rafael Pereira (Managing Partner, Tinnuts). Panelists discussed copyright frameworks, royalty distribution, and the enforcement of intellectual property rights in India.
The discussion emphasized the need for stronger mechanisms to protect creators’ work and foster equitable revenue-sharing models. This aligns with IPRS’s broader strategy to ensure fair compensation for its members and enhance transparency in the music industry.
This partnership highlights the increasing role of cultural festivals in addressing business and legal challenges within the music sector. By integrating discussions on IP rights with live performances, IPRS and the Serendipity Arts Festival have created a platform that not only celebrates music but also tackles industry pain points.
IPRS Board Member Mayur Puri stated, “The IPRS Stage goes beyond performances by providing artists with visibility and addressing structural challenges in the industry. Initiatives like these are essential for sustaining India’s cultural heritage while fostering its growth in a competitive global market.”
Smriti Rajgarhia, Director of Serendipity Arts, noted that the collaboration adds a critical dimension to the festival’s programming, offering artists and industry professionals a space to engage meaningfully.
The IPRS Stage serves as a case study for how industry partnerships can drive both cultural and economic value, reflecting a strategic approach to the evolving needs of India’s music ecosystem.