CfP: Diversity and Inclusivity in the British Music Industry Conference
Call Fall Papers
Diversity and Inclusivity in the British Music Industry Conference
Tuesday 6 June 2023 @ the Media Factory University of Central Lancashire
Deadline: 06.03.2023
The music industry, like many industries, has historically been dominated by certain groups and has not always been inclusive or representative of the diversity of the population.
Research has shown that people of colour, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, are often underrepresented in the music industry, particularly in leadership roles. There are also issues of unequal pay and opportunities for marginalised groups.
Following on from the ‘Women in Music’ conference held at UCLan in 2022, which considered primarily women, we would like the scope of this 2023 conference to include all marginalised groups within the UK music industries.
For example, according to the UK Music Diversity Report 2022, there has been a decrease in the total number of employees from ethnically diverse communities compared to the 2020 survey results. Just over one fifth (21.04%) of individuals working in music identify as Black, Asian or from an ethnically diverse background. At a senior level there was a drop from 19.9% in 2020 to 18.3% in 2022.
This conference asks what needs to be done and how parity might be achieved. It will examine the current position, reasons and consequences of the lack of diversity and inclusivity, what are the challenges and obstacles to proportional representation for marginalised groups across all areas of the UK music industry, including music makers and those involved in music business.
We invite the submission of papers that consider any marginalised group and possible topics and areas to examine might include but are not limited to:
Concepts of diversity and inclusivity within the UK music industries.
The history of diversity and inclusion within the industry, including the experiences and contributions of marginalised groups.
The current state of diversity and inclusion within the industry, including case studies of successful diversity and inclusion initiatives within the industry, and the lessons that can be learned from them and
challenges facing marginalised groups in achieving artistic and commercial success in popular music. Strategies and best practices for promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry, including at organisational levels, in hiring and talent development, and in the creative process.
The role of marginalised groups in the formation of music canons.
The role of technology and social media in promoting diversity and inclusion within the music industry, including the use of streaming platforms and other digital tools.
The role of education and training in promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry, including the importance of diversity and inclusion in music education programs.
The intersection of diversity and inclusion with other issues within the industry, such as sustainability, equity, and social justice.
The relationship between diversity, inclusivity and quality within the UK music industries.
Please send proposals (max. 200 words) and short bio by Monday 6 March 2023 to:
Ewa Mazierska – ehmazierska[at]uclan.ac[dot]uk, Tony Rigg – trigg[at]uclan.ac[dot]uk