May marks European Diversity Month, and this year begins with an important development for the independent music community. IMPALA has introduced a new survey dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), designed to better understand how independent music companies across Europe approach these topics and what support they need to move forward.

As the Belgian association representing independent labels, BIMA encourages all Belgian companies to participate. Gathering insights from our local ecosystem is essential to building a more inclusive, resilient and forward‑looking sector.

A New EDI Toolkit for the Independent Sector

The survey is part of IMPALA’s newly released EDI Toolkit, created with support from the European Union. This toolkit provides practical and accessible resources for organisations at every stage of their EDI journey. It includes a self‑assessment tool to evaluate current practices, personalised recommendations based on survey results, training suggestions tailored to each organisation, and case studies offering concrete guidance for gradual progress.

For independent labels, which often operate with limited resources, this toolkit offers a structured and realistic way to integrate EDI principles into daily operations.

Why This Matters for Belgium

Belgium’s independent music scene is diverse, innovative and interconnected. Strengthening EDI practices across the sector helps ensure that this diversity is reflected not only in the artists we support but also in the teams, structures and decision‑making processes behind them.

By taking part in the survey, Belgian labels contribute to a broader European overview while also helping BIMA and IMPALA identify the specific needs, challenges and opportunities within our national landscape.

What Comes Next

Throughout European Diversity Month, IMPALA will share additional initiatives, including an online roundtable on 19 May focusing on the UK Black Music Report and the announcement of the 2024 Changemaker Award, which highlights impactful EDI work within the sector.

Learn More

Read IMPALA’s full announcement: https://tinyurl.com/4nwyph5z Explore the full EDI programme: https://tinyurl.com/5ddk3ube

BIMA will continue to relay key updates and encourage participation from Belgian independent labels. Together, we can help build a more inclusive and representative music ecosystem in Belgium and across Europe.