Written Testimonies
Below is a selection of documents available for download, retracing various steps in the history of FIA and shedding an interesting light on some of FIA's landmark activities. Most of these documents were written by former FIA General Secretaries.
- FIA: the First 30 Years (by Gerald Croasdell)
This fascinating account by Gerald Croasdell (FIA General Secretary from 1974 to 1983) describes the early years of our Federation. It highlights the exceptionally difficult circumstances surrounding FIA's early years: from the challenging WWII recovery to the Cold War that would follow. Additional challenges were also already emerging back then - mostly due to technological development, the advent of television and the cross-border sale of recorded television and radio programmes - which would have profound implications for performers and their work environment.
- FIA: the First Fifty Years (Speech by Rolf Rembe)
This speech was delivered by Rolf Rembe (FIA General Secretary from 1968 to 1973 and then from 1983 to 1991) in London during FIA's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2002. This speech in entertaining and rich with anecdotes.
- Some Observations on the FIA Activities (by Rolf Rembe)
This account by Rolf Rembe (FIA General Secretary from 1968 to 1973 and then from 1983 to 1991) is the continuation of Gerald Croasdell's "FIA - the First Fifty Years". He details FIA's activities in the 70's and 80's, including the Federation's relationship with other international organisations such as UNESCO, the ILO and WIPO.
- The Long Road towards Cooperation (by Rainer Fattmann, Friedrich Ebert Foundation)
This document tells the history of the various international trade union organisations and their predecessors, in the arts, culture, media and entertainment sector after World War II. For the purpose of this project, Rainer Fattmann - research staff in the Archive of social democracy in the Friedrich Ebert Foundations - made use of the files and documents passed on to the Archive by the several trade union organisations, complemented by interviews of various trade union past of present leaders from the sector.
- FIA's Logo (by Catherine Alméras)
This account by Catherine Alméras (former Vice-president of FIA) tells us the history of the creation of FIA's logo by Jean Cocteau, famous French poet, writer, designer, playwright, artist, and filmmaker.