The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) has released a report on discrimination, sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the music sector. In Dignity at Work, ISM gathered anonymous responses from almost 600 musicians between 2 November 2017 and 28 February 2018.
In total, 47% stated that they had experienced discrimination, sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour. Of these, the majority identified as female.
“It is a moral imperative that this behaviour in the music sector is eradicated; that all musicians understand their rights and responsibilities; and that perpetrators are held to account,” said ISM president Sue Sturrock. “I welcome the ISM working with all organisations on all levels in the music sector on this important issue.”
Digging into the data, it found that 60% of all respondents had experienced sexual harassment, with the majority of those female. Only 23% reported this behaviour. The most common reasons for not reporting were “fear of losing work” (46%) and “fear of not being taken seriously” (26%).
A less pervasive but still worrying problem is bullying, with 7% reporting they’d experienced this.
As for solutions, 86% said a ‘code of conduct’ for the sector would be a helpful first step. ISM has stated it is currently working on a draft code. A further called for “improved processes and procedures”.
