Action for Diversity and Development

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Action for Diversity and Development Action for Diversity and Development. is an independent body established by a group of music and cre

Have your say👇🏽If you work in music whether you’re freelance, employed, running your own business, working in education ...
25/09/2026

Have your say👇🏽

If you work in music whether you’re freelance, employed, running your own business, working in education or anywhere else across the industry the UK MUSIC Workforce Diversity Survey is your chance to share what your experience actually looks like.

Who gets opportunities.
Who gets to progress.
Who gets heard.
And who still faces barriers along the way.

At ADD, we spend a lot of time talking about progression and what it takes for people from underrepresented backgrounds to build sustainable careers and make it into senior roles.

But we also need to hear your voice and lived experience.

So if that’s you, please take 10–15 minutes to complete the survey.

And if you know someone in your network who should have their say, send this their way too.

Because if we want a clearer picture of where the music industry is now, and where it needs to go, we need you to be counted.

🗓️ Survey closes 12 October

đź”— Link in UK MUSIC bio

Inclusion ADD

ADD: Under the Hood 🔍This is our dedicated space to spotlight the incredible work happening across the wider ADD network...
23/06/2026

ADD: Under the Hood 🔍

This is our dedicated space to spotlight the incredible work happening across the wider ADD network, from the page to stage to screen, and every role in between.

Because in the creative industries, there is no single pathway, and the work shaping culture rarely happens in just one place.

This time, we’re spotlighting ADD Board member Brenda Emmanus OBE and her work as an Ambassador for the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board.

Brenda’s influence across British culture spans decades. While many will know her as one of the principal presenters on The Clothes Show, her impact reaches far beyond fashion broadcasting. Across television, radio, journalism and the arts, Brenda has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most respected cultural voices, consistently championing creativity, representation and access across generations of the industry.

From interviewing global talent and covering arts and entertainment, to shaping wider conversations around culture, identity and visibility behind the scenes, Brenda’s career reflects the breadth and versatility of the creative industries themselves.

Alongside her broadcasting career, Brenda has also held influential leadership and advisory roles across publishing, arts and cultural institutions, helping shape conversations around storytelling, inclusion and the future of the sector at a systemic level.

That’s what makes her involvement in conversations around London’s nighttime economy feel especially important right now.

The nighttime economy is far more than nightlife. Grassroots venues and cultural spaces are where careers begin, where experimentation happens, and where communities build connection and belonging. For many global majority creatives in particular, these spaces have long been vital entry points into industries that haven’t always felt accessible through traditional routes.

As these spaces continue to face increasing pressure from rising costs, redevelopment and reduced cultural infrastructure, the work being done to protect inclusive cultural ecosystems matters more than ever. [Continued in the comments]

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kanya King CBE, a visionary pioneer whose impact on music, culture and rep...
07/06/2026

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kanya King CBE, a visionary pioneer whose impact on music, culture and representation will be felt for generations to come.

As the founder of the MOBO Awards, Kanya transformed the landscape of British music. At a time when Black artists and Black music were too often overlooked, she created a platform that celebrated excellence, amplified talent and challenged an industry to recognise the immense cultural and commercial contribution of Black music.

Her courage, determination and unwavering belief in equity opened doors for countless artists, creatives and future leaders. Through her work, she did more than create an awards ceremony, she built a movement that championed visibility, opportunity and belonging.

Kanya's legacy lives on in the artists she elevated, the barriers she broke, and the generations she inspired to dream bigger and demand change.

Today, we join the many friends, colleagues, artists and communities mourning this profound loss while celebrating an extraordinary life of purpose and impact.

Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and everyone whose lives she touched.

Rest in power, Kanya King đź–¤

We are launching a new content series: ADD: Under the HoodThis is a dedicated space to spotlight the incredible work hap...
23/04/2026

We are launching a new content series: ADD: Under the Hood

This is a dedicated space to spotlight the incredible work happening across our wider network, from the page to stage to the screen,  and every role in between.

In the creative industries, there is no single pathway, and the work itself is rarely confined to one sector.

Through this series, we want to show that breadth in action and celebrate the people who are actively shaping the cultural landscape.

We're kicking things off with being proud to see members of the ADD community continuing to bring powerful stories to the stage.

Our Board Director, Dej Mahoney, is the producer behind I DREAM, premiering in concert format this month in London.

With a cast including Chrissie Bhima, Alexia Khadime, Obioma Ugoala and Michael Duke, this musical production explores the life of the lesser known Ralph Abernathy and his relationship with life-long friend Dr Martin Luther King Jr, set against a score rooted in gospel, jazz, blues and soul.

Work like this continues a long legacy of storytelling that has always existed, and continues to shape culture across generations.

From what we see on stage to the teams behind it, this reflects the depth and range of global majority talent across the creative industries.

At ADD, we’re here to support that visibility, making sure stories, talent and craft are not only present, but are recognised and given the support and resources? to thrive.

If you’re in London, this is one to check out 👇🏾
đź—“ 27 April | The Other Palace
🎟 20% off with code: Afridiziak20

https://theotherpalace.co.uk/i-dream/

Black music holds memories.Black music shapes culture.The Music is Black: A British Story opens tomorrow at the V&A East...
17/04/2026

Black music holds memories.
Black music shapes culture.

The Music is Black: A British Story opens tomorrow at the V&A East a powerful exploration of 125 years of Black British music, culture and community.

These stories, sounds and movements have always been here, shaping the UK’s creative landscape across generations.

This one is important.

🎟️Opens Tomorrow (18 April)
đź“Ť V&A East

Photography by Nathan Shadrach, featuring BXKS

18/03/2026

Black Music has powered the UK music industry for THREE decades - now the data proves it.

🎶 80% of UK recorded music value
đź’· ÂŁ24.5 billion generated
🌍 A global cultural force - born, built and exported from the UK

Black Music Means Business is the first European report of its kind, measuring 30 years of cultural, commercial and community impact - and setting out what must change next.

📥 Download the full report: link in stories 👆🏾

🚨 Applications are now OPEN! 🚨The  NXT-Gen Scholars Programme 2026 is here 🎶This incredible scholarship supports 10 emer...
13/02/2026

🚨 Applications are now OPEN! 🚨

The  NXT-Gen Scholars Programme 2026 is here 🎶

This incredible scholarship supports 10 emerging music professionals with a full year of FREE career development including:

✨ A dedicated industry mentor
✨ Access to all MPA training courses
✨ In-person & online events
✨ Networking opportunities
✨ Specialist workshops & employee networks

If you’re proactive, driven, and in the first 0–3 years of your career, this could be for you. The programme welcomes applicants who identify with one or more of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act. (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, s*x and s*xual orientation).

Whether you’re early in your journey or considering a career change into music or music publishing, this is a brilliant opportunity for people of any age to build lasting connections and accelerate your path in the industry.

For further information please contact [email protected]

📩 Don’t miss out apply now.

Huge congratulations to the new members of the Equity & Justice Advisory Group (EJAG) 🎉It’s great to see such a strong g...
04/02/2026

Huge congratulations to the new members of the Equity & Justice Advisory Group (EJAG) 🎉

It’s great to see such a strong group of leaders stepping into this work, alongside an established advisory group that continues to drive meaningful change across the UK music industry.

We’re really looking forward to watching this group shift the needle even further, helping to create a more inclusive, equitable and representative music industry for everyone.

A special shout out as well to the founding members for nearly a decade of commitment, leadership and impact, the foundations you’ve built truly matter.

Wishing all the new and continuing EJAG members every success over the next two years đź’›

CollectiveChange

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