World Music Association of Serbia

In Harmony with Tradition

25 Years

  • Izvika singers Miloljub Šaković, Tomka Paunović and Miroljub Raketić | photo: Predrag Todorović

Goals

The objectives of the World Music Association of Serbia are focused on the preservation, research, documentation, and promotion of Serbia’s traditional and world music culture. WMAS strives to strengthen the national world music scene, provide support to musicians and bearers of tradition, and connect contemporary creativity with authentic musical practices. A particular goal of the Association is the education of both professional and wider audiences, the improvement of cultural policies in the fields of music and heritage, the development of national and international cooperation, and the increased visibility of the Serbian scene at the European and global levels. WMAS actively participates in international initiatives and networks, including cooperation with UNESCO, with the aim of developing sustainable and contemporary approaches to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

Activities

The activities of the World Music Association of Serbia include the organization of festivals, summits, concerts, and professional gatherings dedicated to world music and traditional music. The Association develops publishing and production activities through the magazine Etnoumlje, books, lexicons, and discographic releases under the MICS/WMAS Records label. A special segment of its work includes field research, recordings, documentation, and digital archiving of traditional music. WMAS is also engaged in the international promotion of the Serbian scene through participation in music fairs such as WOMEX, the preparation of service guides, and the presentation of Serbian artists on the global stage. In addition, the Association grants awards, manages digital platforms and databases, implements educational programs and research projects, and develops cultural infrastructure, including the “Baštinik” Camp, a music archive, and activities carried out through the Music Information Centre of Serbia.

Mission

World Music Association of Serbia founded in 2000, operates with the aim of the long-term preservation, research, and contemporary presentation of traditional and world music culture. As a representative association in the field of culture for intangible cultural heritage in the Republic of Serbia, WMAS connects musicians, researchers, institutions, and audiences, encouraging dialogue between local traditions and contemporary musical expressions. Through publishing, production, fieldwork and educational activities, international promotion, and cooperation, the Association contributes to the visibility of Serbian world and traditional music both nationally and internationally. WMAS is the founder of the Music Information Centre of Serbia and an active member of international networks and organizations, including the UNESCO ICH NGO Forum and the European Folk Network, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable models for safeguarding and transmitting intangible cultural heritage.

Board of WMAS

Oliver Đorđević

President

Marija Vitas

Vice-president

Bojan Đorđević

Member

Dragomir Milenković

Member

Ivana Arsenijević

Member

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