IMPALA has released its sixth equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) report, six years after adopting its EDI Charter. The report introduces a survey and free toolkit intended to help independent music organisations across Europe assess their practices.
Survey and toolkit
The new survey gathers information about EDI practices and challenges in the independent music sector. Its findings will inform IMPALA’s second sector report, planned for spring 2027.
The toolkit, co-funded through a European Union network grant, includes a self-assessment with recommendations and five short online training modules. Organisations that complete the assessment also contribute to the survey.
IMPALA’s EDI taskforce coordinated the report. It is co-chaired by Eva Karman Reinhold of SOM and Gee Davy of AIM UK, with support from adviser Keith Harris OBE.
Sector initiatives and policy
The report reviews research on inclusion and innovation, including the potential benefits of inclusive products and services and the need to combine training with other measures to change workplace practices.
It also documents initiatives involving AIM UK, FÉLIN, Believe, Spotify, SonoSuite, beatBread, Merlin, Key Production and Come Play With Me, and covers UK Music’s Black Music Means Business report.
On policy, the report connects cultural diversity with discoverability, market concentration and streaming demonetisation. IMPALA’s Digital Music Plan 2026 calls for greater visibility and support for new, emerging and diverse music on streaming services.
Awards and artist recognition
Swedish nonprofit Popkollo received IMPALA’s 2026 Changemaker Award for its music camps, workshops and creative activities for girls and trans youth. IMPALA honoured 19 women through its revised Outstanding Contribution Award in November 2025. Its fifth 100 Artists to Watch edition, run with YouTube, brought the total number of artists spotlighted since 2022 to 500.
