The Répertoire International de Littérature Musicale (RILM) has reached a significant milestone by earning UNESCO accreditation as a non-governmental organization (NGO) to provide advisory services to the Committee of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This achievement marks a new chapter in RILM's mission to document, preserve, and disseminate the world's musical knowledge.
EBSCO recently had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Frühauf, RILM's Executive Director since August 2022. "RILM's UNESCO accreditation is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding global musical heritage," says Frühauf. Under her leadership, RILM has expanded its role from an Abstracting & Indexing provider to a comprehensive content provider, aligning closely with UNESCO's objectives.
"RILM's UNESCO accreditation is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding global musical heritage."
"RILM's UNESCO accreditation is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding global musical heritage."
RILM's journey has been marked by significant growth and innovation. The organization has launched various full-text resources and developed the Egret platform, enhancing its technological capabilities. The recent addition of DEUMM Online to RILM's suite of resources, as well as the upcoming release of the RILM Archive of Popular Music Magazines (RAPMM) this Spring, further solidifies its position as a key player in the sector of music research.
The UNESCO accreditation opens up vast possibilities for RILM. The organization has already participated in the UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education 2024, showcasing its global reach and expertise. RILM's model of local knowledge communities, comprising national, supranational, and regional committees, offers valuable insights for other NGOs working towards the shared goal of safeguarding cultural heritage.
RILM's partnerships with institutions like the National College of Arts in Lahore, the Institut du monde arabe in Paris, and the Central Conservatory in Beijing highlight its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. These collaborations ensure that RILM's collections represent music scholarship from all countries, languages, and cultural boundaries.
As RILM continues to evolve, its dedication to preserving and making accessible the world's musical traditions remains unwavering. The organization's multilingual editorial team, representing a mini-UN, plays a crucial role in fulfilling this mission. With its UNESCO accreditation, RILM is poised to make an even greater impact on the global music research community.
Stay tuned for more updates on RILM's exciting initiatives and collaborations as it continues to shape the future of music scholarship.
