CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND THE CLASSICAL MUSIC INDUSTRY

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Tuesday 7 October 2003

Following an opening address by Lord Moser Chairman, British Museum Development Trust, this interactive day of discussion and debate highlighted the many cultural diversity issues facing orchestras, focusing on equality, access and inclusion. It featured contributions from the private and not-for-profit sectors, funding bodies and arts practitioners themselves.  Case studies includes presentations from Roger Putnam Chairman, Ford Motor Company Limited, Hilary Wiseman Head of Diversity, HSBC Bank plc and Pam Farmer HR Manager, Equality and Diversity, BT plc.  There was also an unique “Audience Development Lab” involving focus groups of representatives from the culturally diverse communities orchestras are trying to reach.

Delegates:

• discovered how to tackle obstacles and seize opportunities in reaching a culturally diverse audience
• developed an understanding of the practical benefits of embracing cultural diversity
• shared best practice and heard how colleagues were shaping their own diversity policies
• listened to case studies from both the private and arts sectors
• took away practical information and advice for their own organisations

Following on from the symposium, the ABO organised a highly successful London based event Diversify Your Network funded by decibel, Arts Council England in June 2004. Orchestra managers and those working in the culturally diverse arts had the opportunity to meet and discuss a wide range of issues.  A similar event is planned for Manchester in 2005.

The ABO is actively involved in GAIN, an Arts & Business initiative to diversify the boards of selected arts organisations.