Conference report: Inclusive Practice in Action 2021

In March, Sound Connections coordinated and delivered a timely two-day professional development programme entitled ‘Inclusive Practice in Action: Diversifying the Workforce’ hosted by performer and educator, Brenda Rattray.

The event offered an inspirational line-up, including notable speakers and fellow music practitioners. The keynotes were delivered by Asif Sadiq (global head of Diversity at Adidas) and artist Jacqui Adeniji-Williams, known as Miss Jacqui, with talks from Deborah Williams, Jamel Carly Campbell, Melanie-Marie Haywood, Geraldine Smith, Dr Muna Abdi, Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, and discussion groups facilitated by Imrana Mahmood, Jenetta Hurst, John Kelly, Nate Holder and Samantha Spence.

All of the speakers utilised and shared their experiences of navigating a way through systemic pressures within the workplace and/or the music industry.

Keynotes from Asif Sadiq and Miss Jacqui were particularly poignant. Miss Jacqui gave us an insight into life as a practitioner and a wheelchair user. Her experiences gave participants considerable opportunity for reflection and to consider how, as individuals and as a community, we can influence these experiences and make fundamental changes.

Speakers were given a safe platform to honestly express their thoughts, views, concerns, and solutions to an audience of fellow practitioners and people in power, which evoked a range of emotions from the participants and provided a platform on which to enable and facilitate further discussion.

The virtual conference platform was an exemplary way to deliver an online CPD course. Participants were initially given a clear and concise welcome pack, alongside a varied itinerary of topics which would later facilitate both informal conversation and deep discussions about how to implement systematic change.

Nate Holder, recognised as an advocate for decolonising the music curriculum, facilitated a well-attended discussion which encouraged participants to be the change in whatever small way they could. Holder acknowledged a number of his elders within the industry as the shoulders on which he is now standing to make change.

At times there were difficult and uncomfortable moments, and occasionally tears. Some practitioners became unsure of themselves or reflected on times when they may have been complicit by observing injustice, or being a part of exercising it through use of their own power or privilege.

However, this was all part of the effectiveness and success of the event. Through a combination of discussions, talks and workshops, no stone was left unturned in the exploration of the issues that impact a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

The event provided an excellent platform for those who have had a challenging lived experience of work-related injustice and reminded us that, if not changed, these injustices will be replicated and negatively impact the lives of the young people we work with.

Brenda Rattray was, as expected, a fantastic creative, host and facilitator. Her on-screen energy made participants feel safe and willing to participate and engage in potentially uncomfortable conversations.

The event was not a race debate, but an opportunity to listen and reflect, as well as consider how to contribute to the diverse workforce of the future, and transform systems that statistically disenfranchise marginalised groups.

We were reminded that small steps and working together are what will enable real change. Practitioners were also reminded that creatives can significantly drive the narrative for change, and often do through the universal language of music. In the words of Bob Marley ‘One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain’.

A big thank you to Sound Connections for what was a highly professional, smoothly run event. On 29 April, there will be a follow-up session for those who attended the first conference.

Be present. Be part of the change.

www.sound-connections.org.uk

Images: www.sandrahowgate.com