Brussels, 29 October 2026

IMPALA has released its sixth Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Report, highlighting progress made over the past year and the work still ahead. Marking six years since the adoption of IMPALA’s EDI Charter, the report focuses the launch of the new EDI toolkit and sector survey, as well as initiatives from across the independent music sector. 

The report is coordinated by IMPALA’s EDI taskforce, co-chaired by Eva Karman Reinhold (SOM) and Gee Davy (AIM UK), with support from adviser Keith Harris OBE.

Key points from this year’s report include: 

Launching the new sector survey: This year IMPALA launched its new EDI sector survey as part of IMPALA’s EDI Toolkit, co-funded by the EU network grant. The survey collects information on EDI practices and challenges across Europe’s independent music sector. The results will feed into IMPALA’s second sector report, planned for spring 2027. The free toolkit also includes a self-assessment tool with recommendations and five short online training modules. Organisations completing the self-assessment also contribute to the survey. All associations and independent business are encouraged to respond if they have not done so already.

Updating the EDI business case: The report shares new research on diversity, inclusion and innovation. It looks at the importance of inclusion, how inclusive products and services can benefit companies, and why training needs to be combined with other measures to help change workplace practices.

Sharing EDI initiatives from across the sector: The report includes examples from independent associations and labels such as AIM UK, FÉLIN and Believe, as well as Friends of IMPALA including Spotify, SonoSuite and beatBread, and other organisations including Merlin, Key Production and Come Play With Me. It also covers UK Music’s Black Music Means Business report.

Linking diversity to discoverability in the digital market and market concentration: The report looks at how cultural diversity is connected to IMPALA’s policy work, including discoverability, market concentration and streaming demonetisation. IMPALA’s Digital Music Plan 2026 includes a priority on “supercharging support for new, emerging & diverse music”, calling for better visibility and support on streaming services.

Awards that celebrate diversity: Swedish non-profit organisation Popkollo received IMPALA’s 2026 Changemaker Award for its work with girls and trans youth through music camps, workshops and creative activities. IMPALA also honoured 19 women through its revamped Outstanding Contribution Award in November 2025. The fifth edition of 100 Artists to Watch, run with YouTube, marked 500 artists spotlighted since 2022.

For the complete report, please follow the link here.

Eva Karman Reinhold, co-chair of IMPALA’s EDI taskforce and chair of SOM, stated: “The equity and inclusion survey integrated in the EDI toolkit for the independent music sector is more than just a survey! Combined with the self-assessment tool, recommendations, training and case studies, it offers members concrete guidance on how they can bring about positive change. Step by step, in ways that work for their organisations and for the wider sector.”

Gee Davy, co-chair of IMPALA’s EDI taskforce and chief executive at AIM UK, highlighted: “Over the past six years, the focus of the taskforce has moved from intentions to impact. In developing the toolkit, survey and training platform, we look to drive action – starting with the data, progressing through knowledge and measuring outcomes. In the current climate of de-prioritisation, we must renew our commitment to building an equitable, diverse, inclusive and truly representative industry. The toolkit provides tailored results, inspiration and recommendations to contribute meaningfully. We call on labels across Europe to take part in building a better music sector.”

Keith Harris OBE, adviser to IMPALA’s EDI taskforce, said: “It is really gratifying to see that IMPALA has carried through on its commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. It shows a genuine desire to continue improving our industry and society for the benefit of us all. More power to you.”