Powering Up Black Talent in the Live Sector: What’s next?

Powering Up Black Talent in the Live Sector: What’s next?

UK-based initiatives POWER UP and Black Lives in Music are proving that targeted action works even within the context of a global crackdown on DE&I. But when Black talent is underrepresented in all areas of the European Live Sector, and Black artists and professionals alike face racist barriers to progression, structural change is needed to truly support and sustain Black music talent – from investment and equity to reflecting the cultural impact of Black creatives and improving the experiences of professionals and artists alike.

Following last year’s popular initial conversations, POWER UP, Black Lives in Music and ESNS have teamed up once again to gather a panel of experts from the European music sector to share their experiences and to discuss solutions.

Our 2026 conversation will touch upon how the sector can enhance Black participation in live music, how we must improve the experiences of Black artists, professionals and audiences, and how the sector can actively address anti-Black racism to forge a fairer, stronger, thriving music industry for the benefit of all.