Classical music management company HarrisonParrott has announced it is opening a new foundation. The HarrisonParrott Foundation’s goal is to increase diversity and inclusivity within the arts.
Launched to mark the company’s 50th anniversary, the foundation has announced two initial partnerships with Tri-Borough Music Hub and Creative Access. Together, they will “develop a series of programmes to help tackle issues of diversity and inclusion”.
In London, where the foundation’s efforts will be focussed, just 5.4% of those in the creative industry identify as Black or minority ethnic (BME). That compares to over 40% of London’s population as a whole.
“We want to challenge the idea that ethnicity, gender, disability and social background are impediments to full inclusivity – we believe everyone deserves access to the arts,” said executive chair Jasper Parrott. “By forming our new foundation, HarrisonParrott aims to create and support programmes that will have a real impact on these issues and act as an example to others in our industry to do something effective in tackling these issues.”
Tri-borough Music delivers subsidised music education in three West London boroughs, working primarily with school pupils. Creative Access, meanwhile, helps young people who identify as BME to find paid work in the creative sector.