Brussels, 13th January 2021,

IMPALA has initiated a new three-year collaboration with Vick Bain from vbain consulting and Arit Eminue of DiVA Apprenticeships to provide diversity and inclusion training to members.

Promoting a diverse and inclusive European independent music sector is a key priority for IMPALA’s task force which has been in place since summer 2020 and includes Keith Harris OBE as adviser.

In October, IMPALA published its Diversity and Inclusion Charter, laying out 12 commitments towards promoting diversity and inclusion among independent music companies. This includes making diversity and conscious inclusion training available twice a year to all members. 

Bain and Eminue have already held two training sessions for IMPALA’s diversity task force. IMPALA’s first diversity training for members will be held later this month, on 27 January. Find registration details here.

IMPALA’s Executive Chair Helen Smith commented: “Training is one of the main commitments under our Diversity and Inclusion Charter, so it’s great to be able to kick off 2021 with a partnership with Vick and Arit. They will be crucial in helping the sector accelerate change.” 

Vick Bain commented: “Working with IMPALA and its membership across Europe is an exciting opportunity to spread awareness and knowledge on the benefits of diversity and inclusion in the music industry.”

Arit Eminue added: “I look forward to helping IMPALA’s members achieve their diversity and inclusion goals and providing practical tips on how they can drive change. So much can be done by making simple changes to start with.”

About our trainers
Vick Bain is a diversity trainer, campaigner and PhD researcher, as well as a qualified Equality, Diversity & Inclusion consultant, offering a range of diversity services for organisations in the creative sector. Vick has 25 years of experience of working in music including as former CEO of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors and was inducted in the BBC Radio 4 Music Industry Powerlist and Women in Music Hall of Fame. She published influential research into the UK music sector called Counting the Music Industry and has established a not for profit promoting female musicians The F-List Directory of UK Female Musicians. Further information about her diversity consulting services is available here www.vbain.co.uk/consulting 

Arit Eminue is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and founder and Director of DiVA Apprenticeships, a successful award-winning recruitment and training company focused on the entertainment industry.  DiVA has helped hundreds of individuals start and build their careers in companies including Universal Music, the BBC, Warner Music, PPL, PRS, the Southbank Centre, UK Music the BPI among others. 

Arit is also a qualified and experienced Leadership and Career Coach and trainer who helps talented individuals to rewire their mindset, unlock their full potential and take ownership of their careers through employment, entrepreneurship, or a combination of both. She delivers a range of corporate training from Leadership and Management, Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Recruitment, and facilitates open spaces for leaders and managers and their teams to talk about race. For more information visit www.ariteminue.com 

About IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 5000 independent music companies. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. More here.