Black creators and executives across music, art and fashion are at the forefront of curating, developing and disrupting culture.

Together with the black music community, the BMS will co-create an experience that illuminates the talents of black executives, celebrates progressive artists, inspires the future leaders of culture and provides thoughtful and informative discussion around equality, equity and race within the music and creative industries.

• There are currently no music and arts destination conferences dedicated to celebrating black creatives in Europe.
• Black music and art is becoming more represented in popular culture, but this is not mirrored through increased representation of black executives.
• Due to underrepresentation in senior and junior roles in the music industry, it is more important than ever to give young people guidance and support so they may have the best opportunity to break through into music and creative industry roles.
• In 2020, representation of Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse people aged 16- 24 in the music industry sat at just 30.6% overall. Entry-level was slightly higher at 34.6% but senior executive level was just 19.9%.
• In a recent survey 88% of all Black music professional respondents agreed that there are barriers to progression.
• 73% of Black music professionals have experienced direct/indirect racism in the music industry, and more (80%) have experienced racial microaggressions.

Sources: UK Music Diversity Report 2020 / Black Lives In Music Report 2021