May 8, 2025
The General Assembly of the AEAA (European Association of Artist Managers), held in Istanbul on May 3- 4, 2025, was hosted and organized in collaboration with Borusan Sanat, one of Turkey’s leading cultural institutions. This year’s Assembly brought together members from across Europe to engage in dialogue, professional exchange, and leadership renewal.
Following the General Assembly, Cristina Uruc, Manager of Artexim, Romanian artists’ agency and nonetheless organizer of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition from Bucharest, was elected President of AEAA for the 2025-2028 term.
After 31 years of Artexim's membership in the European Association of Artist Managers, I am honored to receive the trust of the General Assembly and the position of President of AEAA. I believe that my dual perspective, both as an artist manager and as a major cultural organizer, can make significant contributions towards achieving our shared goals. I am committed to carry forward the meaningful work Réda Sidi Boumedine, Giovanna Losco and the former boards have done for the organization by building stronger collaborations, encouraging new partnerships across Europe, and promoting greater inclusion and representation within our association.
Cristina Uruc, newly elected President of the AEAA
Cristina Uruc succeeds Réda Sidi Boumedine (RSB Artists), who led the association with dedication over the past six years and contributed to strengthening AEAA’s role on the European cultural scene.
It has been my great privilege to serve as President of the AEAA for the past six years, working alongside two outstanding Boards and many dedicated and supportive members. During this time, I have witnessed the remarkable impact of our collective efforts to promote the image of the artistic agent, foster collaboration and exchange, and support the evolution of the classical music and opera sector. I am proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful for the relationships we have forged along the way.
As I step down, I do so with great confidence in the leadership and vision of Cristina Uruc, who was unanimously elected new President at our last General Assembly in Istanbul. I look forward to seeing the AEAA continue to evolve, guided by the same spirit of integrity, trust, and friendship that defines our identity.
Réda Sidi Boumedine, outgoing President of the AEAA
Under the leadership of Réda Sidi Boumedine, AEAA has expanded its international presence, with active representation in major global networks and events such as IAMA (International Artist Managers’ Association), OMAI (Opera Managers Association International), Doka Art (Association of German-speaking opera and concert agencies), Classical ME Timișoara and other leading conferences and industry gatherings.
The association has also undergone a rebranding process, launching a new logo and a redesigned website in 2024, reflecting its ongoing commitment to innovation, visibility, and service to its members across Europe.
About the AEAA
The Association Européenne des Agents Artistiques / European Association of Artist Managers (AEAA) was founded in 1947 by a group of artist managers, concert agents, and impresarios from five European countries in Paris. Today, the AEAA includes members from 17 countries and represents over 4,000 artists.
A cornerstone of the AEAA’s work is its Code of Practice, shared with IAMA, which outlines the principles of professional ethics, transparency, and mutual respect that guide its members in their relationships with artists, colleagues, and institutions. This Code reinforces the association’s commitment to integrity and responsibility within the field of artist management and serves as a benchmark for excellence and trust across the sector.
The AEAA holds an annual General Assembly for its members, combined with round tables and showcases featuring outstanding guests and speakers. These assemblies have taken place in many principal European cities since 1947. The upcoming General Assembly in 2026 will, for the first time in the association's history, be held in Bucharest, Romania.
The AEAA, guided by its motto “Expertise, Fairness and Trust”, continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and professional exchange among artist agencies, music presenters, and cultural institutions.
About Cristina Uruc
Cristina Uruc, Manager of Artexim - the institution behind the prestigious George Enescu International Festival and Competition - began her career in 2007 at Artexim, gaining extensive experience in all aspects of concert production, artists and cultural event management. Over the years, she has been involved in organizing one of the world’s most prominent classical music festivals, contributing to its international growth and artistic impact. Her portfolio also includes roles such as General Project Manager of the International New Music Week Festival and Tour Manager for renowned early music ensembles Il Giardino Armonico and Coro e Orchestra Ghislieri. Between April 2021 and March 2022, she served as Artistic Consultant for the Sibiu State Philharmonic. Cristina Uruc holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Music (Composition) from the National University of Music in Bucharest, having studied under prominent Romanian composers Livia Teodorescu-Ciocănea and Dan Dediu. Her experience in artistic leadership, international collaboration, and cultural production aligns closely with AEAA’s mission to promote excellence and innovation in artist management across Europe. Since May 2025, she has also been serving as President of the European Association of Artist Managers (AEAA).
About the Board
The newly elected AEAA Board brings together seasoned professionals in artist management and international cultural cooperation. Cristina Uruc will lead the association alongside Jonas Grunau - Grunau & Paulus Musikmanagement (Vice President), Laurent Delage - Delage Artists (Secretary General), and Zdenka Kachlová - CEMA - Central European Music Agency (Treasurer), supported by board members Catherine von Mutius - Artists Management Company Ltd. and Aydin Dorsay - Borusan Sanat. The administrative coordination of the association is ensured by Ada Baillon, serving as Executive Secretary. Together, the new leadership is committed to strengthening AEAA’s presence on the European cultural scene and fostering meaningful collaboration between artist agencies and music institutions worldwide.
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European Association of Artist Managers - AEAA
https://www.aeaa.info| info@aeaa.info