Organisation & mission
The World Music Contest (WMC) in Kerkrade is one of the most prestigious international festivals for wind music. This page provides an overview of WMC’s mission, vision, objectives, and governance, as well as information for donors and partners. Learn how WMC contributes to musical excellence, cultural exchange, and social impact.
Objectives
WMC works toward specific goals:
- Participant numbers: bringing together over 20,000 musicians from all continents.
- Quality: promoting musical and artistic excellence in all contest formats.
- Internationalization: expanding the participant base and strengthening worldwide collaboration.
- Education: offering educational programs, workshops, and masterclasses for young musicians.
- Social impact: engaging the local community and volunteers, involving more than 300,000 visitors.
Core values
The World Music Contest operates based on the following core values:
Intercultural
WMC creates a space where cultures meet in a musical context. The organization encourages exchanges and organizes events where people from different backgrounds can make music together.
Inclusive
Everyone is welcome at WMC, regardless of origin, gender identity, or ability. WMC sees it as its mission to bring people together in an atmosphere of musical fellowship.
Interdisciplinary & Interdependent
Exchange and connection between people—and across art disciplines—are important. Music, theater, visual arts, urban culture, and dance: WMC encourages the integration of elements from diverse art forms, both in competitions and in the festival line-up.
Intrinsic
Music possesses many intrinsic qualities: it inspires imagination, soothes, and moves people emotionally. Music also contributes to individual personal development. WMC aims to highlight and celebrate these qualities.
Innovative
Innovation and creativity are at the heart of WMC. The festival values originality and gives participants the freedom to think outside the box and experiment.
ANBI status
The World Music Contest is a cultural ANBI (Public Benefit Organization). This means:
- Tax benefits for donors, including deductibility of gifts.
- Full transparency in financial reporting.
- Contributions are used for public benefit and cultural development.
Standard Publication Obligation Form
Articles of Association of the WMC Kerkrade Foundation 2023
For donors and partners, this ensures that their support directly contributes to the success and sustainability of WMC, while offering tax advantages and insight into spending.
Curious about the tax benefits?
Calculate my tax benefit
Governance
WMC has a clear governance structure:
- A Supervisory Board overseeing policy and finances.
- A dedicated professional team responsible for organization, production, and communications.
- Compensation policy: transparent and compliant with ANBI regulations.
For a full overview of governance, management, and policies, see our team page.
