Groundbreaking ReMap Report Unveils Insights into Black Music in Liverpool City Region

Liverpool City Region Music Board proudly announces the release of the ReMap Report, marking a significant milestone in the exploration of 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:

1. Produce a clear Liverpool City Region Black music strategy to tackle direct and indirect racism.
2. Target and secure higher-level funding specifically aimed at elevating the profiles of LCR-based Black artists and industry professionals.
3. LCR Music Board to conduct a feasibility study on opening and operating a dedicated Black music hub space.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Yaw Owusu, Creative Consultant, emphasised the report’s significance. He said: “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 District, a Black-owned music venue in Liverpool City Centre on April 10th, 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.”

Liverpool City Region Music Board encourages all stakeholders to download and read the ReMap report, available on the LCR Music Board website. By engaging with the insights and recommendations presented in the report, the Music Board aims to collectively build a more equitable and vibrant music community.

The Music Board expresses its gratitude to all participants who shared their experiences and members of the Black Music Action Group for their ongoing efforts to shape a robust future for Black creatives and industry professionals across Liverpool City Region.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REPORT