The Music Canada organization is seeking participants for a new survey focused on equity, diversity and inclusion in the Canadian music industry.
The trade organization that represents major labels Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada is teaming with the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management and a number of partner groups to create a study that "intends to identify diversity and inclusion gaps within the music industry and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and barriers to success of diverse artists, creators and music professionals in the Canadian music industry."
The survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, includes a number of demographic and job-related questions in addition to questions like, "What are some factors that enable you to succeed in the music industry?" and "How important is it for you to have access to culturally appropriate spaces, services, interventions or conflict resolutions in the music industry?"
“Equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the centre of Music Canada’s core values, and we are committed to advancing these both internally in our organization and in the broader music community,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Board Chair of Music Canada, in a statement. “By consulting the Canadian music community, working collaboratively with the Diversity Institute and with music sector leaders to identify and address barriers, we can meaningfully gain ground together to create a more inclusive music industry in Canada.”
According to Music Canada, the collected information will be used to to identify barriers and enablers that individuals in the music industry face. This will help organizations in the Canadian music industry improve equity, diversity and inclusion. A full report based on the survey is expected in February 2022.
Along with the work of the Diversity Institute, which conducts and coordinates multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder research to address the needs of diverse Canadians, organizations such as ADVANCE, Canada’s Black music business collective; Women in Music Canada, and the Canadian Country Music Association are among the supporting partners.
“Women in Music is happy to support this crucial research, which will help inform the creation of policies improve industry practices,” said Samantha Slattery, Chair and Founder, Women in Music Canada.
“ADVANCE wants to ensure an equitable, diverse and inclusive music industry... Adding your perspective will help identify diversity and inclusion gaps in the sector, and move towards positive systemic change,” said Keziah Myers, Executive Director, ADVANCE, Canada's Black Music Business Collective.
“The Canadian Country Music Association is committed to making the values of equity, diversity and inclusion an integral part of our culture,” added Tracy Martin, President, Canadian Country Music Association. “This new research study will help our sector gain a deeper understanding of how sustained action in support of these values can better serve the music community."