UK Music has today (June 16) launched its Music Industry Workforce Diversity Survey.
Designed to help bring about ‘major change at pace’, the survey tracks progress to boost diversity and inclusion in the UK’s music industry.
The survey, led by UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce and its chair Ammo Talwar MBE, comes at a crucial time for the industry in the wake of #BlackOutTuesday, #TheShowMustBePaused and protests in support of Black Lives Matter.
The survey was first launched in 2016 to give the music industry, Government and other stakeholders a critical insight into where improvements are needed regarding diversity and inclusion. It is also used to highlights where positive change is already under way.
Ammo Talwar, chair, UK Music Diversity Taskforce, said: ‘Now is not the time for silence! We need major change at pace with impact in the music industry. This survey helps to kickstart the change we all want and deserve.
‘Our diversity is the source of our greatest strength. Help us shape the new voices in the music industry by being part of the change.
‘Vision without evidence and action is a dream. Action without vision is a nightmare. Help shape the future of the music industry to ensure diversity sits front, centre and back.’
Rachel Bolland, head of diversity, UK Music, said: ‘Our workforce should be as diverse as the millions of fans who enjoy the incredible work produced by our world-leading industry.
‘A key part of ensuring we reflect that diversity is our commitment to tracking improvements and changes in our industry so we can make further progress.
‘Our Music Industry Workforce Diversity Survey is a crucial part of this work and we would urge everyone in the music industry to complete the survey to help identify areas where there is more work to do.
‘Government and Parliament is listening and we will be working with them to ensure the policy landscape is fit for purpose so diversity in our sector can flourish.’
Paulette Long OBE, deputy chair, UK Music Diversity Taskforce, said: ‘Whilst we know there are issues surrounding ethnicity and gender within the music industry workforce, if we want to bring about a change in those areas of underrepresentation we need to use the power of data to help us better understand the challenge, and navigate a way forward.’
Fill out the Music Industry Workforce Diversity Survey 2020.
