IMPALA’S FIFTH EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION REPORT: REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO A MORE INCLUSIVE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Brussels, 21st October 2025
IMPALA has released its fifth Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Report, providing insights into its ongoing efforts in this area. Published on the anniversary of the organisation’s EDI Charter, the report is the result of work by IMPALA’s taskforce, which for the past year was co-chaired by Eva Karman Reinhold and Ben Wynter, and supported by advisor Keith Harris OBE.
Key points from this year’s report include:
Reporting on charter commitments: IMPALA provides updates on its progress regarding the 12 commitments laid out in its charter, which was adopted on 21st October 2020.
Providing new tools for members: IMPALA launched a pilot of a new EDI Toolkit for members, combining self-assessment, sector survey and EDI training in one. Co-funded by the EU, this pilot project aims to benchmark progress across the music sector. Also included is a conversation with the two developers behind the toolkit – Andrew Lansley (self-assessment tool) and Vick Bain (training platform).
Reinforcing the EDI business case: IMPALA builds upon research showing that EDI is both ethical and practical, helping small teams improve decision making, creativity, retention, and audience reach.
Spotlighting best practice initiatives from IMPALA members and the wider sector: The report spotlights sector-level actions by IMPALA members, including AIM UK’s Amplify Apprenticeship Scheme and Power-Up Initiative, STOMP’s Development Team, DUP’s Code of Conduct, FÉLIN’s involvement with MEWEM, or IndieSuisse’s support for the SPOZZ platform.It also features examples from the wider community such as Spotify’s Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators initiative, Sonosuite’s new growth & market strategy branch and Saffron’s work in building inclusive spaces for underrepresented creatives.
Awards that celebrate diversity: In March 2025, the “100 Artists to Watch” awards with YouTube were announced, the Changemaker Award was presented to “MEWEM Germany/France” in May 2025, and the Outstanding Contribution Award went to the late Horst Weidenmüller in November 2024 and to Eva Karman Reinhold in March 2025.
For the complete report, please follow the link here.
In her opening remarks, Eva Karman Reinhold, co-chair of IMPALA’s EDI task force highlighted: “We are committed to equipping all our members, whatever their size, with the tools to make meaningful change. This remains a key priority across our reports, social media and direct engagement. Our Changemaker Award highlights this work in practice, with this year’s winners MEWEM France and MEWEM Germany – alongside the many other nominated projects that show the powerful impact of inclusive initiatives in the independent music sector. It is also essential that EDI is part of wider debates on streaming, AI and competition. As access to markets becomes harder for smaller players and power is concentrated in fewer hands, the industry risks losing diversity and openness. Looking ahead, we are reviewing the impact of our board diversity programme ahead of elections, considering second representatives and new ways to engage underrepresented groups so that the sector reflects the full richness of Europe’s music community.”
Ben Wynter, co-chair of IMPALA’s EDI taskforce commented on the importance of reinforcing action: “More than ever, it is crucial that we, as an industry, stand united on the side of what is right. As a sector, we have a responsibility to lead, not only within our industry but in the wider world by setting an example as inclusive innovators, early adopters, and trendsetters.”
Keith Harris OBE, adviser to IMPALA’s EDI task force commented: “Seeing IMPALA’s executive board underlining the importance of EDI work as a priority for the sector sends the right message at a time when EDI is being pushed into the background elsewhere. We must not lose sight of how easily these issues can slip down the agenda. I am also pleased to see how the second representative scheme is being revamped and I hope it will produce results in due course. The launch of IMPALA’s new EDI toolkit is a major step forward, setting out clear and practical actions. By combining self-assessment, benchmarking and training in one place, it gives members a straightforward way to understand their position and concentrate on the areas where change will make the most difference.”
Roger Dorresteijn, Managing Director at Epitaph on the launch of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion toolkit: “Striving for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is more than applauding a written charter, more than appointing a Diversity VP. EDI involves everyone’s daily work on every level. Impala’s mission has been to identify where we stand as a music sector and offer practical levers to initiate real change. Impala’s EDI toolkit is an essential step forward. Let’s get to work.”
Lana Culig, Aquarius Records/RUNDA on the review of training formats through our most recent roundtable: “This roundtable offered a vital space to listen, reflect, and share experiences around the challenges LGBTQ+ artists face. By centring authentic voices, we are reminded that real change begins with dialogue and collective responsibility across our sector.”
Nastasja Prévost, Membership & Project coordinator at IMPALA concluded: “Equity, diversity and inclusion remain central elements at IMPALA, as our board confirmed again this year. Each year’s report helps us take stock of progress and identify where more can be done. Our new toolkit, training and member initiatives show that inclusion is about consistent, practical action. The focus now is on implementation – making sure these tools are used, progress is measured, and change is embedded across all parts of our work.”
About IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 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. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA
