Roger Wilson
Forging an equitable future
With experience on both sides of the stage as a musician and tour manager , Roger Wilson is co-founder of Black Lives in Music ; an initiative dedicated to addressing better representation throughout the music industry . Here he provides his perspective on what the live industry could , and should , be doing to ensure it truly reflects a diverse society
As someone who has worked on both sides of the stage in the music industry , I can say with some authority that the live industry has suffered with a lack of diversity in all areas . I use the word ‘ suffered ’ because the industry can benefit in so many ways from being more representative and acknowledging the current diversity of the United Kingdom .
Diversity brings a wider talent pool , different experiences and views . It brings different ways of thinking through and finding solutions to organisational issues . With real diversity , organisations and the wider sector can reflect more clearly and represent more effectively their service users , their communities and wider society .
This last point can only result in more revenue streams – ultimately , more profitability . So , yes , there is a moral case and a business case for the UK live industry being more diverse . If my points are not landing in your heart , they should be landing in your wallet .
So , if we are happy to acknowledge there are any number of reasons why diversity is a good thing for our industry , what ’ s the first step ? It ’ s always the most difficult one .
Why ? Because it takes honesty . Individuals and organisations must acknowledge that racism , prejudice and discrimination are real and still affect our industry . Black Lives in Music stands for equality in the industry . Feel free to exchange the word ‘ racism ’ with ‘ prejudice ’ or ‘ discrimination ’ and apply to all of the protected groups . There is clearly work to do .
Honesty is the baseline starting point that enables us to begin that journey with confidence in the knowledge we are heading in the right direction . The industry must gather and interrogate data – data can either be a stick or a carrot , a wakeup call or an aspiration , it ’ s your choice which it is . If we can measure progress
in our efforts , we will better understand our starting point and the direction of travel .
The industry needs to adopt more fair and equitable processes . Recruitment should cease to have any hints of nepotism . We need to acknowledge that bias is something we all possess and mitigate for this in how we recruit at all levels . Some
recruitment is still based on a volunteer system . We should consider in the context of the intersection with race , gender and socio-economic background – what is the profile of your average volunteer ? Can they really afford to do something for nothing ? We also need to challenge artistic content and ensure it is culturally representative .
With creativity in mind , let ’ s programme and champion diverse talent and measure our progress in doing so .
This is just the start of the journey . Building an inclusive community requires changing structures , mechanisms and processes . By definition ,
“ If my points are not landing in your heart , they should be landing in your wallet .”
structures take time to build . The important activity of breaking these down and rebuilding them so they are fit for purpose takes time , humility , determination and honesty . To be aware of our own ignorance and blind spots is crucial to progress .
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