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Alex Gascoine, a white man with grey hair and a brightly coloured mint green short is leaning against a white painted wall and smiling into the camera.

Executive Committee Chair Commits to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at MU Members’ Conference

Chair of the Musicians’ Union Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened Members’ Conference with a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Published: 16 December 2022

Speaker panel discussions at the MU Members' Conference 2022

Celebrating Culturally Diverse Organisations in the Arts Council England National Portfolio

We need more arts funding, not less, to make sure that a career as a musician is available and accessible to everyone.

Published: 14 December 2022

Circle of pink plastic chairs against a solid block pink background

Free Places on Coaching and Mentoring for Creatives Course for MU Members in Wales

CULT Cymru’s Leadership and Management endorsed coaching and mentoring course is open again for applications, usually £300 to attend, the course is free to MU members (less £50 deposit).

Published: 07 December 2022

Disability History Month: The Contribution of Lived Experience

MU Member Audrey Gray, Creative Projects Manager and CEO of Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) talks about her experience as a member of multiple EDI Networks and how lived experiences can contribute to much needed solutions.

Published: 01 December 2022

A small child is signing in BSL, with just their hands and arms in the focus of the camera.

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

UK Music has launched its Diversity Report 2022, including the findings of its Workforce Diversity Survey 2022 and an action plan for long-term change.

Published: 24 November 2022

Celebration blur of different colours and gold.

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

The MU is proud to be an official partner organisation of Black Lives in Music, who are celebrating two incredible years of advocating for Black representation in the music industry.

Published: 18 November 2022

Young Black musician scrolling on their phone in a library

Protecting Yourself Online Following Recent Changes at Twitter

Recent events at Twitter have led to changes that may leave users more exposed to harm on the platform.

Published: 17 November 2022

Quiet figure sits at the end of a dock, watching a sun rise over a body of water.

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Work related stress is a trade union issue. For National Stress Awareness Week running 7-11 November we’ve put together a reminder on the resources available to members.

Published: 11 November 2022

Members of conference smile and clap, while one delegate stands and speaks from the floor.

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Trade unions are full of jargon. One of our favourites is the word ‘motion’. But, like most bits of jargon, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Published: 10 November 2022

Photo of DJ Paulette, smiling downwards in a t-shirt that reads

MU Congratulates DJ Paulette on DJ Mag Lifetime Achievement Win

DJ Paulette recently performed at the MU Members’ Conference 2022, closing day one with an exclusive set for delegates, and has now won a Lifetime Achievement award in DJ magazine’s top 100 DJs.

Published: 03 November 2022

People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 02 November 2022

Findings Show Classical Music Industry at Risk of Losing Talent and Decreasing in Diversity

The MU was one of many organisations to help fund groundbreaking research into a report which finds that the Classical Music sector is failing its parent and carer workforce.

Published: 20 October 2022

Woman's hand holds megaphone with yellow background.

Raghad Haddad Wins MU-Sponsored Award at Youth Music Awards

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl presented the award, in the category of Inspirational Music Leader, at the Youth Music Awards in London on 19 October.

Published: 20 October 2022

Photo of a tall and distinctive building in Glasgow against a bright blue sky.

STUC Black History Month Annual Lecture Rescheduled to 26 October

This year’s STUC Black History Month Annual Lecture will be taking place in Glasgow on 24 October, having been rescheduled earlier this year. The STUC has also announced a ‘save the date’ for their St Andrews Day Anti-Racism March and rally.

Published: 14 October 2022

Numerous hands raised as if in support of a motion.

Motion on Being Black in the UK Music Industries Passes at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) to lobby the Government to improve pay gap reporting, ensure Black histories are taught in schools, and to make diversity monitoring a legal requirement.

Published: 14 October 2022

Banner for the MU Members' Conference 2022, picture of a young violinist performing in the background with a yellow banner reading

Meet the Members Leading Conversations at the MU Members’ Conference 2022

Our members are always at the heart of what we do, and in this feature we highlight some of those leading the conversation on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues and how they impact musicians.

Published: 06 October 2022

Black male musician wearing cap and headphones sat in recording studio with mic and acoustic guitar.

TUC Midlands To Set Up New Black Activists Network and Steering Group

If you are a Global Majority MU member and based in the Midlands area we need you to take up the seat to represent the Union.

Published: 04 October 2022

Portrait of keynote speaker Kelli-Leigh with yellow graphic: Kelli-Leigh at MU Members' Conference 2022.

Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter Kelli-Leigh to Open Day Two of MU Members’ Conference

The MU is proud to welcome Kelli-Leigh to our Members' Conference as a keynote speaker on day two to talk about how she fights for equality in the music industry.

Published: 29 September 2022

DJ Paulette wearing a T-shirt saying 'I am Black History'

Catch DJ Paulette’s Set at MU Members’ Conference

DJ Paulette will be closing day one of the MU Members’ Conference 2022 in Leeds with an exclusive set for delegates.

Published: 23 September 2022

Young Black man in recording studio at mixing desk.

Revisit Some of the MU’s Most Interesting and Important EDI Stories

Ahead of Black History Month in October, we’ve put together a list of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) 'in case you missed it’ highlights from the past 12 months.

Published: 21 September 2022

Mayor Tracy Brabin smiling, with graphic: Mayor Tracy Brabin at MU Members' Conference 2022

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to Open MU Members’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union is delighted to welcome West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin as a keynote speaker on day one of Members’ Conference.

Published: 20 September 2022

Black music creator sat at mixing desk/laptop in a recording studio.

POWER UP Announce New Partnership With Arts Council of Wales

The partnership will offer digital masterclasses to Black music creators based in Wales and industry professionals based outside of London. It will also begin the process of setting up a Welsh Black Music Action Group.

Published: 08 September 2022

Birmingham Central library in Centenary Square Birmingham, UK with Commonwealth Games sign.

New Video from TUC on Innovative Commonwealth Games MOU

The video highlights the success of the landmark pledge which ensured diversity, fair pay and support for creative sector workers during the Birmingham Games.

Published: 07 September 2022

A young woman choosing composition for playing synthesizer at home.

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

What does it mean to be an inclusive trade union and music industry? Join the MU's General Secretary, the Union’s Executive Committee and other members in creative discussion at October’s two day event in Leeds.

Published: 01 September 2022

Stephen Brown MU Midlands Regional Organiser; Louise Braithwaite MU vice-Chair Midlands Regional Committee; Rob Johnston TUC Policy and Campaigns Officer. All smiling holding a copy of the MoU.

MU Signs Agreement with Commonwealth Games to Ensure Fair Pay For Artists

The landmark agreement has been signed by Commonwealth Games organisers and cultural sector unions, including the MU, to ensure diversity, fair pay and support for creative sector workers during the Games.

Published: 25 July 2022

Golden opera mask and a white wooden fan on a bright turquoise background

MU Reiterates Black Face Position Statement

The reiteration comes following the Arena di Verona’s summer festival’s decision to darken performers skin for their roles in Verdi’s Aida, and their subsequent defence of this decision.

Published: 18 July 2022

Flat lay of musician and sound engineer items such as a guitar, mixer, microphone, keyboard, cables, note pad and headphones. Image has a vintage style filter.

As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself

In this informative and thought-provoking piece, MU member Stephe Meloy discusses what it means to celebrate both LGBTQ+ Pride and Gypsy Roma Traveller History months.

Published: 30 June 2022

Microphone on the background of the National Flag of Afghanistan, realistic 3d illustration.

Overcoming Adversity to Play Again: A Refugee’s Story

In recognition of Refugee Week 2022, Musician and Associate Prof. Dr. Waheedullah Saghar (former head of the Music Department for the Faculty of Fine Arts at Kabul University) speaks of his experiences of being a refugee, and how music helps to keep our stories alive across continents.

Published: 24 June 2022

Silhouette of woman standing on a mountain/hill with her right arm in the air, the background is an orange sunrise in the clouds, representing success

MU Member Receives PRS Foundation Composers’ Award

Helen Epega of The Venus Bushfires is one of seven composers to receive the 2022 award from the PRS Foundation.

Published: 23 June 2022

Black hand holding a black megaphone against a bright yellow background.

Year 2 POWER UP Participants Announced

As the participants for the second year are announced, POWER UP also celebrates the victories and impact of the programme from Year 1.

Published: 22 June 2022

Close up of clarinet over a keyboard with sheet music.

MU and Black Lives in Music Launch 3-Year Partnership

The 3-year partnership will see BLiM and The MU work together to challenge racism, promote inclusive practices and accelerate change regarding diversity in the music industry.

Published: 16 June 2022

A young person is sat in a bright library setting wearing red headphones and looking intently at a computer screen.

Universities Cut Arts Courses

The MU is saddened to see large-scale cuts to arts courses at two universities following ongoing Government funding cuts and anti-arts rhetoric.

Published: 14 June 2022

A band plays on a stage silhouetted against the a bright blue background.

Open Letter Questioning Funding Cut to PRS Foundation Published

Following PRS for Music’s decision to cut funding for the PRS Foundation from 2024, a petition has been launched. Now an open letter from 50 grassroots music organisations has been published.

Published: 06 June 2022

Two people are sitting holding hands on the sofa, we can just see their hands , legs and chests.

Remembering #TheShowMustBePaused: Two Years on in the Music Industry

The MU’s Education and Equalities Officer Rose Delcour-Min reflects on the changes at the MU and in the music industry since #TheShowMustBePaused and Blackout Tuesday in 2020.

Published: 02 June 2022

POWER UP Is First Recipient of New Changemaker Award

IMPALA have announced that the POWER UP initiative, of which the MU is a partner, has been awarded the Changemaker Award in recognition of its diversity and inclusion work.

Published: 18 May 2022

A white microphone is in near focus, where in the background a woman is preparing to put earphones on, a notebook and laptop on her desk.

Motion on Being Black in the UK Music Industry Passes at TUC Black Workers Conference

A motion responding to the ‘Being Black in the UK Music Industry’ report has been raised and passed at the TUC Black Workers conference.

Published: 10 May 2022

Panoramic view of Manchester, Media City, including offices and bridge over the river/quay.

MU Member Nominated at National Diversity Awards

North of England member Claire Mooney has been nominated for a Lifetime Achiever Award at the National Diversity Awards.

Published: 04 May 2022

Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the bridge with Thames in the forefront, the sunlight streaming across image.

MU Disappointed By Comments From Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games Director Regarding Refugees

The MU joins the TUC, Equity and Bectu in a letter to the Commonwealth Games Committee, expressing concern over comments praising the Governments’ plan to send those seeking refuge in the UK to Rwanda.

Published: 29 April 2022

Anonymous women in silhouette against a window blind.

MU Reacts to Reports of Abuse of Black Women By a Prominent DJ

Recent reports of Tim Westwood’s decades of abuse of Black women are yet another example of the power imbalances in the music industry that allow men to use their positions of power to abuse women over lengthy periods of time without consequence.