Scottish music appoints advisory group

The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has announced seven members of its inaugural Equalities, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA) Advisory Group.

The group is comprised of JAYNE STYNES (Chair), JIM MUOTUNE, BETH BLACK, SOF STAUNE, JO D’ARC, AILIE ROBERTSON and KIANA KALANTAR-HORMOZI.

The group was selected following an open application process and review period.

THE SMIA said members were selected "based upon their demonstrated connections to their communities, their active participation within Scotland’s music industry and their experience engaging in work around equalities, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility". 

The SMIA EDIA Advisory Group is supported by National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland. It is tasked with developing an EDIA Strategy for Scotland’s music industry.

The group will meet regularly over the next year to develop the strategy.

ROBERT KILPATRICK, CEO and Creative Director of SMIA, said: “When we think about industry development, it has to be in a way that is by and for all.

"Reducing inequality, increasing diversity, enabling inclusion and enhancing access are all essential parts of that journey.

"Our newly appointed EDIA Advisory Group brings a wealth of lived experience to the SMIA, and their work will be an integral part of not only the SMIA’s strategic direction, but that of the entire Scottish music industry."

KIM SIMPSON, Head of Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion at Creative Scotland, said: “We welcome the recruitment of SMIA’s inaugural EDIA Advisory Group as they continue their mission to connect with and nurture the full diversity of the music sectors of Scotland.

"The vision, talent and commitment each member of the newly established SMIA EDIA Advisory Group will bring is certain to be incredibly valuable to shaping equalities practices across Scotland’s music industry.” 

The SMIA has a membership of over 4,700 industry professionals and acts as a voice for Scotland’s music sector.

Among its initiatives is the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, which was recently launched for 2024.