Liverpool City Region Music Board proudly announces the release of the ReMap report, a comprehensive exploration into the creative and professional experiences of Black music makers and practitioners in the Liverpool City Region.
Conducted between 2021 and 2023, the research engaged individuals from the Black music community through interviews, surveys, and focus groups. The report combines the results of each research component to provide a detailed overview of how Black individuals contribute to and participate in the region’s music sector, along with the challenges they encounter.
Covering topics such as accessibility, representation, equality, and regional dynamics, the ReMap report offers valuable insights for stakeholders at both local and national levels. In addition there are 16 key findings and 22 recommendations, that serve as a catalyst for change within the Liverpool City Region music sector. Among the main findings are observations on the prevalence of racism and discrimination, the presence of highly experienced Black music practitioners, and the challenges faced in accessing performance opportunities and mentorship.
The ReMap Report concludes with five key recommendations, they are:
- Produce a clear Liverpool City Region Black music strategy to tackle direct and indirect racism.
- Target and secure higher-level funding specifically aimed at elevating the profiles of LCR-based Black artists and industry professionals.
- LCR Music Board to conduct a feasibility study on opening and operating a dedicated Black music hub space.
- Allocate a portion of the Strategic Investment Fund Training and Development budget toward devising and delivering a professional network scheme for emerging LCR-Black music creators and industry professionals.
- LCR Music Board to work with the Liverpool City Region’s Race Equality Hub and build alliances and partnerships with national partners focused on to lobby for improved regulation of Anti-Black Racism in the UK Music Industry.
The report’s recommendations outline actionable steps for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black musicians and industry professionals. These recommendations include the development of a clear Liverpool City Region Black music strategy, targeted funding initiatives, feasibility studies for dedicated Black music venues, and the establishment of professional networks and mentorship programs.
Yaw Owusu, Creative Consultant, commented:
“This report is so important because for so long our experiences have gone unheard, our contributions unacknowledged and our work and our ambitions under-supported. The ReMap report represents a critical step towards addressing systemic issues within the Liverpool City Region music sector. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the report, we will move to a more inclusive, diverse, and representative industry which will benefit everyone”.
The report was launched at a Black owned music venue, District, in Liverpool City Centre on 10th April, with the findings and recommendations presented and discussed with contributions from esteemed industry figures, including Founder and Director of ENSPIRE Management and UK Music’s Head of Diversity, Eunice Obianagha.
The Report has received praise from various national organisations, including Black Lives in Music.
Dr Charisse Beaumont, Chief Executive, Black Lives in Music, said:
“The ReMap Report illuminates the pivotal role of Black music makers and practitioners in the Liverpool City Region, it presents a comprehensive analysis of their contributions, challenges, and the systemic barriers they face. It underscores the urgent need for a coordinated, inclusive approach to foster a more representative music industry. This report not only highlights the importance of recognising and amplifying the voices and talents of Black artists and professionals across all UK regions, but also lays down a roadmap for actionable change towards equality, diversity, and empowerment within the entire music sector. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to commit to the creation of a more equitable music industry that truly reflects the diversity and richness of Black musical heritage.”
Eunice Obianagha, Founder and Director of ENSPIRE Management and UK Music Head of Diversity, added:
“Widely renowned for its role as a hub for music innovation and heritage, Liverpool has undeniably played an important role in shaping the UK’s cultural landscape and propelling our music onto the global stage. Nonetheless, the findings from this report underscore the need for continued efforts to support and spotlight the full breadth of talent that has contributed to its thriving economy.
“Through our diversity campaigns and collaborating closely with the music industry across the UK, we have gleaned at UK Music, that forging strategic partnerships is pivotal in addressing issues of diversity. Therefore, while it is crucial to acknowledge the report’s findings, the collaborative efforts of music stakeholders throughout Liverpool signals progress towards establishing a more inclusive environment and expanded opportunities for Black Music Creators and Practitioners.
“Anticipating the impact of Liverpool’s commitment to the Black Music community, I eagerly await the inspiration it may instil in other cities and music communities across the UK. Black Music Action Group and Liverpool City Region Music Board, thank you for being bold and fostering a collective drive for positive change and inclusivity.”
This historical research was created and delivered by Music Board members Yaw Owusu, Creative Consultant; Dr. Mathew Flynn, Senior lecturer in Music Industries at University of Liverpool; Jennifer John, Vocal Coach and Mentor and Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music for Liverpool.
Headed up by Dr Flynn, the ReMap research was initially funded through the University of Liverpool’s Early Career Research and Development and Innovation Funds and was extended with contributions from the Institute of Popular Music. The research was supported by Dr Lennon Mhishi, and Dr Joe Coughlan-Allen. To ensure a continuation of this foundational work and further support the research and development of the Liverpool City Region’s Black music community, the Institute of Popular Music and Liverpool City Region Music Board have committed to co-funding a full three-year scholarship for PhD study in the Department of Music at the University of Liverpool. With a September 2024 start date, the studentship will advance and evolve the research and recommendations of the ReMap report. Full details of this exciting research opportunity will be announced shortly.
The Liverpool City Region Music Board encourages all stakeholders to download and read the ReMap report, now available on the LCR Music Board website. By engaging with the insights and recommendations presented in the report, the Music Board will collectively build a more equitable and vibrant music community.
The music board would like to express its gratitude to all participants who gave up their time to share their experiences around racism, making this report possible, and also to members of the Black Music Action Group who meet regularly in order to shape a more robust future for Black creatives and industry professionals working across Liverpool City Region now and in the future.
For more information and to download the ReMap report, visit https://lcrmusicboard.co.uk/remap-report-unveiled
