About us
Mission
We recognise that privileges are distributed unequally worldwide and act in response. We mobilise music, musicians, and music production towards a fairer global society, believing that creative endeavours can inspire positive social change. We amplify artistry, not inequality.
Vision
A world where life trajectories are no longer determined by place of birth and family endowments, and in which those with abundant resources find solace by sharing with the less well-off. We believe that artists are essential to inspiring and creating the change required to achieve our vision.
Focus
IRMA’s work contributes mainly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1 (no poverty), 4 (quality education), 8 (decent work for all) and 10 (reduced inequalities).
Ethos
Discernment
We believe that music and art can yield positive effects on people when applied thoughtfully. Research shows that music can alleviate physical pain, support mental health, connect communities, and generate income, among other benefits. But music and art can be misused, too. That is why we always ground our projects in critical, evidence-based research.
Integrity
We align our actions with our mission and values, even when it is difficult or costly. We are transparent about our limitations, mistakes, and learning processes. We evaluate our work and acknowledge when it falls short of expectations, taking responsibility for improvement. We never promise more than we can deliver, nor claim credit for others’ successes.
Optimism
We recognise that many communities face significant challenges, but choose to approach our work from a place of possibility. That is not naive hope. It is a deliberate commitment to believing that meaningful change is achievable. We maintain that bringing positivity to our work enhances both the experience and the outcomes.
Selflessness
Our work and actions are guided by the people we seek to serve. We do not think for people, but listen first. Then, we carefully examine possibilities, potential impacts, and risks. We proceed only if we can confidently estimate that our work will generate significant positive outcomes without causing harm. In sum, we act only when requested and when it is demonstrably appropriate.
Committee
President
Stefanie Schüpbach
Deputy Director of the Bern Political Forum and former Director general of the Solothurn Film Festival. She holds degrees in Business Administration and Art History from the University of Bern.
Vice-President
David Gerber
Project Manager for the city of Vernier, Doctor in Social Sciences and active in several Geneva associations. He plays keyboards in the band Montecharge.
Secretary
Elie Burgos
Deputy Rector of the University of Lausanne, Doctor in Political Science and graduate of the Saïd Business School (Oxford). He is the mastermind of, and guitarist in, the band Unfold.
Treasurer
Laetitia Gauchat
Audiovisual Content Creator at Das Playground and Cultural Administrator. She holds a Master’s degree in Law, Crime and Security of New Technologies and has completed studies in Museology.
Communications Officer
Amarande Léchot
Communications Officer at Bikini Test and former Communications and Media Relations Intern at Festi’neuch. She holds a Master’s degree in Language and Communication Sciences from the University of Neuchâtel. She plays bass in the band Morgoran.
Employee(s)
Director of Operations
Julien Fehlmann
Holds degrees in International Relations and Development from the London School of Economics, the University of Glasgow, and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. He previously graduated in Audio Engineering and founded the recording facility Studio Mécanique in 2005.
Financial auditor
Denis de la Reussille
National Councillor from 2015 to 2023 (Green Party, Swiss Labor Party), member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly. He was a member of the Neuchâtel Grand Council (1999-2015) and the Mayor of Le Locle (2000-2015).