Black Lives in Music launches survey to address inequalities in UK music
Black Lives in Music are calling for Black musicians and music creators across Britain to take part in ground-breaking research
Last updated 6th Apr 2021
A ground-breaking, first-ever survey of Black musicians' experience in the UK is taking place, with the aim to address the lack of opportunities as well as assess the barriers Black musicians face.
The survey, conducted by Black Lives in Music (BLiM), will use data and advocacy to amplify and empower Black musicians and music creators in order to bring about increased and sustained representation and participation at all levels for a diverse and inclusive industry.
Currently, research from Arts Council England showed that of leadership roles occupied by employees at almost 100 of its leading National Portfolio Organisations, only 10% of Chief Executives, 11% of Senior Managers, 11% of Chairs, and 15% of board members were from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds.
At this moment in time, there is no data about the experiences and everyday reality for Black musicians in the UK. The organisation will address this by launching The Black Lives in Music survey, ground-breaking research looking at the issues Black creatives faces in multiple areas including racial discrimination, mental health, well-being and economic disparity. The results of the survey are set to be published in an annual BLiM report in May 2021.
On the survey, BLiM Co-founder and Chief Executive Charisse Beaumont said: “We are bringing together all Black musicians and music professionals for this research in order to create change. Your participation will make this data, which currently doesn’t exist, the most powerful data set about Black musicians in the world which will be used to drive positive and lasting change.”
Musicians and music professionals are being urged to sign up to The Black Lives in Music survey by visiting: https://blim.org.uk/change/
The Black Lives in Music survey is conducted by Black Lives in Music, Opinium Research, and Inc Arts, with contributions from The Black Music Coalition.
About Black Lives in Music:
BLiM has created a 10-step digital charter urging music organisations to agree to meet in order to reflect the nation’s diverse culture and combat systemic racism within the industry. Its task force comprises some of the most esteemed Black executives and musicians in the UK working for diversity and equality in music. Many of those involved are leading figures from the jazz world, including Orphy Robinson MBE, multi-Jazz FM Award-winning** composer and musician Shabaka Hutchings, vocalist Cleveland Watkiss MBE, Yvette Griffith of Jazz re:freshed as well as Paulette Long OBE and James Joseph**.
BLiM aims to support organisations in working towards developing balanced professional ensembles with people of colour, recruitment of Black people representing senior management/board level and programmes and mentoring and support for the progression of Black musicians into professional ensembles.