In an effort to enhance diversity and inclusion in the European festival scene, the Musicians’ Union (MU) has partnered with YOUROPE, the European Festival Association, to launch a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Toolset for festivals.
Founded in 1998, YOUROPE represents 125 festivals and associated members across 31 European countries. The association aims to strengthen the European festival scene, promote music and arts, connect cultures, and contribute to the development of European society. The new Diversity and Inclusion Toolset is part of YOUROPE's ongoing initiatives to inspire audiences and foster collaboration with other cultural entities.
MU's Contribution
The MU’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) team played a crucial role as consultants for the project. Dr Diljeet Kaur Bhachu, MU ED&I Officer, is prominently featured on the project's advisory board, contributing her expertise on anti-racism and diversity.
Components of the Toolset
The toolset is a comprehensive resource that includes guides, tests, checklists, databases, toolkits, reports, and action plans. These resources draw on various geographical and issue-based specialisms to provide a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the toolset features 13 case studies showcasing festivals and projects that exemplify good practices in diversity and inclusion.
Key MU Resources Featured
Several MU resources are highlighted within the toolset, including:
- Musicians’ Census Musicians from the Global Majority Insight Report: A key data source on racial discrimination, reporting, and pay gaps.
- LGBTQ+ Musicians Insight Report: Featured for its valuable insights.
The toolset's section on Gender and Sexual Equity includes MU resources such as:
- Music Sector Code of Practice
- For the Love of Music report
- Breastfeeding at Work sample policy
- Guides for developing Sexual Harassment and Appropriate Behaviour at Work policies
Promoting Inclusivity at Festivals
Dr Diljeet Bhachu emphasised the importance of making festivals accessible to all: "We are delighted to have assisted YOUROPE with their Diversity and Inclusion Toolset. It’s important that festivals are open to everyone, whether that be audience, performer, or team member. We know there is still much more to do to ensure that festivals and events are fully accessible and inclusive, and hope that these resources will begin to help pave the way for lasting change."
The collaboration between MU and YOUROPE represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the festival industry, setting a new standard for cultural events across Europe.