Black Lives in Music (BLiM) has launched their Anti-Racism Code of Conduct.
Unveiled during WOMEX in Manchester, which begins today (23 October), the initiative is part of BLiM's ‘continuing efforts to maintain and foster a culture of integrity, diversity and inclusivity in the UK music industry’.
Endorsed by the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), the Anti-Racism Code of Conduct is aiming to become ‘the definitive framework’ for driving impactful change and dismantling racial discrimination across the UK music sector.
The code has been developed in light of the findings of BliM’s Being Black in the Music Industry survey, which found 'conclusive evidence supporting the long-held beliefs about racial discrimination in the industry'.
Described as ‘a comprehensive guide to eradicating discrimination and spreading the practice around the music industry’, the code includes commitments around transparency, education on rights for employees, behaviour and reporting of discrimination, types of discrimination, training, support, collaboration and more.
Industry organisations such as the Independent Society of Musicians, Attitude Is Everything and the Musicians’ Union have all committed to the code, which you can read in full here.
Roger Wilson, co-founder and Director of Operations at BLiM, said in a statement: ‘It's fitting that at the 30th anniversary of this magnificent event WOMEX, BLiM will launch its Anti-Racism Code of Conduct and introduce EquiTrack, an upcoming digital tool crucial in supporting organisations to drive change.
‘EquiTrack highlights the innovative side of BLiM, utilising technology to support the sector. I'm convinced its launch later in the year will be a game-changer for shifting the dial in the fight against racism while informing best practice on inclusive culture.’
