The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) – the membership organisation and innovation agency which exists to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry –  today announces the appointment of seven members to its inaugural Equalities, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA) Advisory Group.

The newly-appointed group comprises Jayne Stynes (Chair), Jim Muotune, Beth Black, Sof Staune, Jo D’arc, Ailie Robertson and Kiana Kalantar-Hormozi. Following an open application process and subsequent review period, 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, supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, will develop an EDIA Strategy for Scotland’s music industry, including devising the implementation and evaluation methods. The group will meet regularly over the next year to develop the strategy, and will be resourced to engage members of the SMIA and the wider Scottish music industry to contribute to the process. This approach will ensure that more voices from across a diverse range of backgrounds will have a say in the future development priorities for Scotland’s industry.

Robert Kilpatrick, CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (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. 

“The group’s establishment follows the appointment of an Equalities and Industry Development Officer to the SMIA staff team last year, and I’d like to personally thank Bethany O’Connor for her passion, dedication and commitment to the delivery of this work. I look forward to the SMIA continuing to engage with many of those working across the sector driving cultural change, and to supporting the group as they work to design an EDIA strategy for Scotland’s 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. Having recently appointed Creative Scotland’s second EDI Advisory Group, we’ve seen and felt the impact these groups can have on how we meet our equalities ambitions. 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 works to create and nurture an inclusive membership community which reflects the full spectrum of Scotland’s music industry. With a membership of over 4,700 industry professionals, the SMIA gives voice to Scotland’s music sector when speaking to Government, Parliament and development organisations, as well as both produces and supports projects and programmes that stimulate sustainability, domestic and international growth, development and innovation. 

The SMIA’s services, projects and events are designed to strengthen and increase the value of Scotland’s music industry both at home and on the world stage; economically, socially and culturally. The organisation’s flagship project – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – recently launched for 2024, with eligible album submissions now open at sayaward.com and closing at midnight on Wednesday 31 July. The SAY Award Ceremony 2024 returns to Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24 October, with one album gaining the coveted title of Scottish Album of the Year along with the £20,000 first prize. 

For more information on the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), or to join as a member, please visit smia.org.uk

Keep up-to-date with the SMIA’s journey on Facebook @TheSMIA, Twitter @TheSMIA and Instagram @The_SMIA.