AIMP Presents Results Of Member Survey For Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Initiative

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To begin its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative, the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) partnered with EnterGain to conduct a survey of its members in order to have a starting point for its efforts to be a more diverse and inclusive organization. EnterGain Senior Advisor Yuna Perry and Managing Directors James Celentano and Mikal Celentano presented the results at the AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit that took place this week.

While this was the first survey of its kind for the AIMP, it was sent to all 1,006 AIMP members with a 16% response rate. Almost 80% of respondents chose “white” as one of their ethnicities, and compared to the U.S. population, membership was underrepresented in all other ethnicities. For example, 6.6% identified as Black/African American, and 7% as Hispanic/Latinx. 82% of respondents identify as straight, 10% “preferred not to say,” and LGBTQ is represented at 8%.

80% of respondents said over 80% of their income comes from music-related activities. They work across a multiplicity of genres, and 52% are self-employed or work at companies with 5 or fewer employees. Most noted they rely on the AIMP for education and networking.

When it comes to education level, 26% of respondents have a 4-year non-music degree; an additional 25% have a 4-year music business degree; and 8% earned a 4-year music degree and 18% of respondents have a graduate degree.

While a majority (92%) said they did not have a disability, when asked about their needs at future in-person events, many had the same requests for accessibility options as respondents who did indicate they have a disability. These groups expressed interest in visual and auditory assistance, accessible restrooms, ramps/elevators, parking, and service animals. Also, approximately 40% of all respondents showed interest in continuing virtual/online events.

On a 5-point scale ranging from Not Diverse at All to Exceptionally Diverse, nearly 90% of respondents rated the independent music publishing community as at least Somewhat Diverse or better.

“Response to the survey showed that the AIMP community is ready to engage in these important topics,” said EnterGain co-founder and Managing Director Celentano. “A lot of actionable insight is coming out of the survey phase of the AIMP’s DEI initiative, and we look forward to facilitating the upcoming DEI workshops, to explore how AIMP members can foster an even more welcoming and equitable independent publishing community,” added Perry, Senior Advisor at EnterGain.

“It was so important for us to ask our members the kind of questions that don’t come up in typical day-to-day conversations, so we can see where we can help support and educate our community to be a better environment for everyone,” said John Ozier, AIMP National Chair and Nashville Chapter President. “We are already addressing some of the specific requests with the trainings, upcoming new website, an initial meeting on July 15 to gauge interest in an Atlanta chapter, and our LA Chapter has already established a DEI Committee. And we’re so pleased to be able to offer to our members a free, three-session workshop on DEI from EnterGain to help educate and empower our members around these issues.”

EnterGain will conduct a three-session workshop series at no cost to AIMP members interested in deepening their understanding of the barriers and solutions around diversity, equity, and inclusion and provide actionable takeaways that can be applied in their professional lives. The three 90-minute training sessions are scheduled for June 21, June 28, and July 6 at 1 p.m. CST. They will be co-led by two executive-level facilitators from EnterGain, with virtual session tools and interactive discussions.

Registration is now open to all AIMP members. To register, click here.

Lydia Farthing
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