International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance

A Non-Governmental Organization in Formal Consultative Relations with UNESCO

Statutes of the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance

1.   Name

The name of the organization is THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TRADITIONS OF MUSIC AND DANCE (ICTMD or Council). The organization was formerly known as THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TRADITIONAL MUSIC and THE INTERNATIONAL FOLK MUSIC COUNCIL.

2.    Mission

  1. To promote research, documentation, safeguarding, and sustainability of music, dance, and related performing arts, taking into account the diversity of cultural practices, past and present, and scholarly traditions worldwide.
  2. To bring together music and dance scholars, as well as artists, cultural activists, policy makers, and other individuals, collectives, and institutions in pursuit of equality, social participation, human rights, and sustainability in the performing arts.
  3. To disseminate the results of scholarly work and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information.
  4. To collaborate with national, regional, and international scholarly, educational, cultural, and other organizations and institutions.

3.    Activities

The activities of the Council include, but are not limited to:

  1. Fostering cooperation within the ICTMD World Network and ICTMD Study Groups.
  2. Organizing World Conferences, Symposia, Colloquia, Forums, and other scholarly meetings.
  3. Publishing, in printed and/or electronic form, a scholarly journal, books, a bulletin, a membership directory, a website, audiovisual and other materials. Details on ICTMD publications are provided in the relevant Memorandum.
  4. Collaborating with UNESCO and other international, national, and regional organizations.

4.    Membership

The membership of the Council consists of:

  1. HONORARY MEMBERS – Individuals who have made exceptionally distinguished contributions to the work of the Council may, upon recommendation of the Executive Board, be elected Honorary Members by the General Assembly of Members. Details on Honorary Memberships are provided in the relevant Memorandum.
  2. LIFE MEMBERS – Individuals who wish to further the objectives of the Council may become Life Members upon payment of the fee stipulated by the Board.
  3. JOINT LIFE MEMBERS – Partners who wish to further the objectives of the Council may become Joint Life Members upon payment of the fee stipulated by the Board. They receive only one copy of each issue of the Council’s scholarly journal.
  4. STANDARD MEMBERS – Individuals who wish to further the objectives of the Council may become Standard Members.
  5. JOINT MEMBERS – Partners who wish to further the objectives of the Council may become Joint Members. They receive only one copy of each issue of the Council’s scholarly journal.
  6. STUDENT MEMBERS – Individuals who submit proof of their status as full-time students may become Student Members.
  7. EMERITUS MEMBERS – Individuals who have held ICTMD memberships for at least five concurrent years and are now retired may become Emeritus Members.
  8. SUPPORTING MEMBERS – Individuals may become Supporting Members by assuming responsibility for the payment of one or more additional memberships as determined for Standard Members.
  9. INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS – Research institutions, universities, government bodies, scholarly societies, radio-television organizations, and other corporate bodies may become Institutional Members. They have the right to extend the benefits and obligations of Standard Members on an agreed-upon number of individuals.

All members in good standing constitute the General Assembly and are entitled to receive copies of the Council’s scholarly journal, to vote in elections, and to vote on motions at meetings of the General Assembly of Members, except as noted above. Fees for different types of membership are established by the Executive Board.

5.    The ICTMD World Network

  1. The ICTMD World Network consists of National Committees, Regional Committees, and Liaison Officers, collectively known as National and Regional Representatives.
  2. All National Committees, Regional Committees, and Liaison Officers are approved by the Executive Board.
  3. Representatives in the ICTMD World Network are expected to spread knowledge about the Council’s activities and to further its mission in their respective countries or regions. As much as possible, they act as links between the Council and individual members.
  4. A National or Regional Committee may be established from a pre-existing organization that shares ICTMD’s goals or from individual ICTMD members.
  5. A National Committee can be established in a country that is recognized by the United Nations and has at least three ICTMD members.
  6. A Regional Committee can be established in an area that is commonly acknowledged as a geographical or political region, and that has at least three ICTMD members.
  7. Each National or Regional Committee appoints or elects a member to act as its representative. National and Regional representatives liaise between their respective Committees and the Council (see Statute 8).
  8. National and Regional Representatives manage their activities independently and regularly submit reports to the Council's bulletin. The details on the workings of National and Regional Committees are provided in the relevant Memorandum.
  9. Where National or Regional Committees do not exist, the Executive Board may appoint individual ICTMD Members as Liaison Officers to represent countries or regions.

6.    Study Groups

  1. Study Groups consist of ICTMD members who share a common scholarly interest.
  2. Study Groups are approved by the Executive Board.
  3. Study Groups manage their activities independently and report annually to the Executive Board.
  4. Each Study Group elects a chair to act as a liaison between the Study Group and the Executive Board.
  5. The details on the recognition and workings of Study Groups are provided in the relevant Memorandum and in any Bylaws that may exist for each Study Group.
  6. The Assembly of Study Group Chairs consists of the chair or designated representative of each Study Group and the Secretary General.
  7. A meeting of the Assembly is convened and chaired by the Secretary General at each World Conference.
  8. At the Assembly, the chairs or designated representatives report on their past, present, and future activities, exchange experiences, and raise any concerns they may have.

7.    Governance

7.1         General Assembly of Members

  1. The ICTMD comprises the membership of the Council in good standing.
  2. The Executive Board convenes a meeting of the General Assembly of Members during each World Conference. All members are entitled to attend.
  3. Members have the right to propose and second resolutions, to take part in discussions, approve and amend the agenda for the General Assembly of Members, and to vote.
  4. Meetings of the General Assembly of Members are conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

7.2         Executive Board

  1. The Executive Board governs the Council and is responsible to the membership.
  2. The Executive Board consists of a President and two Vice Presidents (Officers), and nine Ordinary Members, all of whom are elected by the membership of the Council by means of a postal or electronic ballot. In addition, the Executive Board may appoint other members as defined in clause (f).
  3. Nominations for the three Officers and the nine Ordinary Members to be elected are made by a Nomination Committee that conducts a postal or electronic ballot as discussed in Statute 9.
  4. Officers are elected for a term lasting until the second meeting of the General Assembly of Members after their term has begun (usually four years) and can serve a maximum of two terms (either two terms as President or Vice President, or one term each). Ordinary Members are elected for a term lasting until the second meeting of the General Assembly of Members after their term has begun (usually four years). In all cases, a Board Member may serve a maximum of two consecutive or non-consecutive terms as an Ordinary member and a maximum of two consecutive or non-consecutive terms as Officer.
  5. In the event of the death or resignation of any of its members, the Executive Board may appoint a substitute to fill the vacancy until the next election.
  6. The Executive Board may co-opt not more than three members in addition to those elected by the membership of the Council. Such members retire at the next meeting of the General Assembly of Members, but are eligible for re-appointment by the Executive Board only once. A Board member who is co-opted once can serve two terms as an elected Ordinary Member. If co-opted twice, an elected Ordinary Member can only serve for one term. 
  7. The editor of the Council’s journal is an ex officio member of the Board for the duration of their mandate and is entitled to vote on any matters before the Board. Time served on the Executive Board in this capacity does not count as part of an elected term, as considered in clause (d).
  8. The Executive Board meets at least once each year. It may also agree to discuss and make decisions electronically.
  9. The Executive Board proposes changes to the Statutes and submits them to the Secretary General for processing as outlined in Statute 12.
  10. The Executive Board appoints a Secretary General for the purpose of carrying on the work of the Council.
  11. The Executive Board approves members of the ICTMD World Network, the establishment of Study Groups, World Conference venues and themes, the editor of its journal, and the chairs of Programme and Local Arrangements Committees.
  12. The Executive Board appoints committees as needed.
  13. The Executive Board establishes and approves all Memoranda and Guidelines pertaining to the working of the ICTMD.
  14. The Executive Board establishes, approves, and amends the Memorandum on Procedural Rules of the ICTMD Executive Board. This Memorandum must be ratified by the General Assembly of Members.
  15. Any matters arising not provided for in these Statutes are decided by the Executive Board.

7.3         President

The President oversees the work of the Council. To qualify for nomination, the President must have served at least one term on the Executive Board as an elected member. The President is responsible for:

  1. Liaising with the Secretary General and the Vice Presidents in carrying out the decisions of the General Assembly of Members and the Executive Board.
  2. Presiding over meetings of the General Assembly of Members and the opening and closing ceremonies at World Conferences, the Assembly of National and Regional Representatives, Executive Board meetings, and other meetings as requested by the Executive Board.
  3. Representing the Council in other organizations. This role may be shared by the Secretary General and should be carried out in consultation with him or her.

A Vice President may assume these responsibilities at the President’s request. In the case of the President’s incapacitation or death, the Executive Board appoints one of the Vice Presidents to act as President.

7.4         Vice Presidents

The two Vice Presidents assist the President and liaise with the Secretary General. To qualify for nomination, a Vice President must have served at least one term on the Executive Board as an elected member.

7.5         Secretary General

The Secretary General is responsible for the operations of the Secretariat. To qualify for appointment, the Secretary General must have served at least one term on the Executive Board as an elected member. The Executive Board appoints the Secretary General for an initial period of four years, which can be extended upon mutual agreement. The Secretariat consists of the Secretary General and one or more assistants, who are appointed by the Secretary General. The Secretary General works with the assistant(s), salaried or unsalaried, to:

  1. Implement the decisions of the Executive Board and report annually to the Executive Board on resulting actions.
  2. Organize Executive Board meetings.
  3. Oversee the Council’s finances and prepare an annual report of the previous year's expenditure and income, and an annual budget for the upcoming year, both for approval by the Executive Board.
  4. Supervise the elections to the Executive Board.
  5. Oversee the publication and distribution of the Council’s scholarly journal, bulletin, and other publications according to the relevant Memorandum.
  6. Work with the members of the ICTMD World Network, promote its development, and organize the Assembly of National and Regional Representatives during World Conferences.
  7. Liaise with and promote the activities of Study Groups, and organize and chair the Assembly of Study Group Chairs during World Conferences.
  8. Collaborate with the Local Arrangements and Programme Committees preceding and following World Conferences.
  9. Prepare and present a report on behalf of the Executive Board to the General Assembly of Members, detailing the Council’s activities since the preceding report.
  10. Secure proposals for venues for future World Conferences at least three years in advance.
  11. Serve as an ex officio member on Programme Committees for World Conferences, Colloquia, Forums, and other committees.

7.6         Executive Group

  1. The Executive Group consists of the President, Vice Presidents, and the Secretary General.
  2. It ensures the efficient running of the Council and the pursuit of its mission.

8.       Assembly of National and Regional Representatives

  1. The Assembly of National and Regional Representatives consists of one official delegate for each National and Regional Committee and Liaison Officer, the President, and the Secretary General.
  2. The Assembly has the right to propose and second resolutions, to take part in discussions, and to vote. Meetings of the Assembly are conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
  3. A meeting of the Assembly is convened and chaired by the President at each World Conference.
  4. The Assembly of National and Regional Representatives appoints two members of the Nomination Committee as prescribed in Statute 9(a).

9.       Nomination Committee

  1. The Nomination Committee consists of three members, two of whom are appointed by the Assembly of National and Regional Representatives and one by the Executive Board.
  2. At least one of the members must be a current or former member of the Executive Board.
  3. The Nomination Committee appoints a Convener from its members. The Convener chairs the meetings and organizes the work of the Nomination Committee.
  4. The Nomination Committee elicits proposals for any vacancies on the Executive Board.
  5. These proposals may be made by the Executive Board, National or Regional Committees, or any two members residing in different countries.
  6. All such proposals must reach the Convener of the Committee in writing at least six months before a meeting of the General Assembly of Members.
  7. The Nomination Committee nominates at least two but not more than three candidates for each vacancy on the Executive Board.
  8. The nominations are included in a postal or electronic ballot, three months preceding each meeting of the General Assembly of Members.
  9. The results of the election are tallied and announced by the Convener at the General Assembly of Members.
  10. The workings of the Nomination Committee are provided in the relevant Memorandum.

10.   Scholarly Meetings

10.1     World Conference

  1. A World Conference is held every second year.
  2. The Executive Board determines the date, place, and format of the conference.
  3. Details on the organization of ICTMD World Conferences and the activities of the Programme Committee are provided in the relevant Memorandum.

10.2     Study Group Symposium

  1. A Study Group Symposium is organized independently by an officially recognized ICTMD Study Group and does not require the Executive Board’s approval.
  2. Details on the organization of an ICTMD Study Group Symposium are provided in the relevant Memorandum.

10.3     Colloquium

  1. A Colloquium focuses on a selected theme to be intensively discussed by a smaller group of invited scholars.
  2. A Colloquium is proposed by ICTMD members and needs to be approved by the Executive Board.
  3. Details on the organization of an ICTMD Colloquium are provided in the relevant Memorandum.

10.4     Forum

  1. A Forum is organized by the ICTMD in collaboration with other national, regional, and international scholarly organizations on a theme of common concern.
  2. It is proposed by ICTMD members and is approved by the Executive Board.
  3. Details on the organization of an ICTMD Forum are provided in the relevant Memorandum.

11.   Finance

  1. The Council is a non-profit organization financed by memberships, institutional subscriptions, donations, endowments, and grants.
  2. The Secretary General executes the budget and submits an annual financial report to the Executive Board for approval.
  3. The Secretary General, on behalf of the Executive Board, presents a biennial financial report at each meeting of the General Assembly of Members for approval.
  4. In the event of the dissolution of the Council, its assets should be transferred, in accordance with the decision of the Executive Board, to one or more national, regional, or international organizations having a similar mission.

12.   Changes to the Statutes

  1. Proposals for changes to these Statutes can be made by the membership to the Executive Board, or by the Executive Board itself, and must be received by the Secretary General in writing not less than six months before a meeting of the General Assembly of Members. These proposals will then be circulated to the members.
  2. Proposals, duly received and listed on the agenda, will be put before a meeting of the General Assembly of Members for approval.
  3. Proposals approved by a two-thirds majority of those attending a meeting of the General Assembly of Members must then be submitted to the membership as a whole for ratification by a simple majority of those voting in a postal or electronic ballot.
  4. The Secretary General conducts the ballot within six months following the meeting of the General Assembly of Members.
  5. A simple majority of votes received in favour of the changes is required for ratification.
  6. Changes to the Statutes become effective immediately upon ratification and must be published as soon as possible.

Established on 13 September 1948; revised on 11 September 1951; 26 August 1957; 9 August 1963; 31 August 1971; 17 August 1977; 27 August 1981; 17 April 1984; 24 November 1992; 15 September 2004; 1 June 2012; 3 May 2014; 11 December 2017; 1 December 2021; and 26 August 2023.