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Charity Attitude is Everything and Black Lives in Music (BLIM) have revealed their first major collaboration, the \u2018Unseen Unheard\u2019 report and podcast.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The disability-led and Black-led charities have joined forces to amplify the voices of Black disabled creators and professionals working across the UK\u2019s music industry.<\/p>\n
Based on survey findings taken from BLIM\u2019s October 2021 report \u2018Being Black in the UK Music Industry\u2019, \u2018Unseen Unheard\u2019 presents a range of responses and insights from 99 music creators and 50 industry professionals. The results are accompanied by new interviews carried out by BLIM in 2023.<\/p>\n
The report also includes a number of calls to talent development organisations, funders, industry support services, education providers and industry employers to aid better representation.<\/p>\n
Some of the key findings include 74% of Black disabled music creators facing barriers to success in the industry, compared to 58% of Black non-disabled creators. Only 38% of the 149 respondents felt that diversity and inclusion was an industry priority, and 91% of Black disabled creators and professionals said they felt unsatisfied with how they were supported by the music industry.<\/p>\n
The two organisations have also launched a new \u2018Unseen Unheard\u2019 podcast series, which will be hosted by Attitude is Everything\u2019s Joy Addo and broadcast through the BLIM YouTube channel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Unseen, Unheard report is another first of its kind report which will aid in reframing the music industry,\u201d said Charisse Beaumont, chief executive of Black Lives in Music.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe report highlights the intersectional barriers Black Disabled music creators and professionals face daily and what we as members of the music ecosystem can do to address these barriers. The landscape feels like it is changing in some ways. We have seen a reversal by organisations and the government of the commitments they made in 2020. However, what is encouraging is that we are seeing bold individuals and organisations who are resolute in demonstrating to the world that inclusion and authenticity is the New Normal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beaumont added: \u201cIn this report, you will read first hand accounts of the lived experience of Black disabled people who have smashed through every barrier and stereotype to become senior leaders in the music industry. Together with Attitude is Everything, Black Lives in Music are on a mission for Black disabled music creators and professionals to no longer be unseen and unheard but instead celebrated, uplifted and granted the same opportunities as others. Eradicating discrimination and creating platforms and pathways to showcase their talent and skills so they can thrive and have the careers they truly deserve.\u00a0Let\u2019s work together to create the truly inclusive music industry we all long for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Suzanne Bull MBE, founder of Attitude is Everything, said: \u201cThe Unseen Unheard report and podcast series marks the first major intervention generated by our partnership with Black Lives in Music. It\u2019s a rallying cry to the industry to listen to Black disabled artists and professionals and to respond to their experiences of race and disability-related barriers.\u00a0And the industry\u2019s response must only be to \u2018do better\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe report\u2019s sobering findings highlight the many ways in which Black disabled talent is being held back. This needs to urgently change. We need to see the \u2018diversity\u2019 conversation take place on conference stages, industry forums and boardrooms, not just in the meetings and spaces marked for the \u2018diversity discussion\u2019, but as the integral part of all conversations. This is the way that Black disabled people will be enabled to speak truth to power, showcase their skills and talent, and pursue ambitions free of the barriers which are artificially created for the benefit of no one within the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
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