NEWS
Remarkable support for this year’s report
A total of 79 companies, organisations, and institutions have contributed to the partnership’s Report on Equal Access and Wellbeing in Music. This marks a 68 percent increase compared to last year. The report shows that the music industry continues to struggle with gender imbalance, but that more organisations are working systematically with wellbeing. Within the partnership, the growing participation is seen as a positive shift toward collective action.
Traditionally, the music industry has been characterised by fragmented interests and limited data. However, a significant number of stakeholders are now actively supporting a shared, knowledge- and data-driven approach to creating the necessary changes for a more sustainable and inclusive music sector.
That is one of the main conclusions of the Report on Equal Access and Wellbeing. Last year, 47 stakeholders took part; this year, the number has risen to 79. A 68 percent increase.
“The growing participation demonstrates a shared commitment to insight and progress. When more organisations contribute, the quality and relevance of the data improve. This allows us to identify trends, make comparisons, and work more strategically on specific areas. At the same time, it’s crucial that we maintain this momentum and engage even more participants in future reporting. That’s how we create real change,” says Henrik Sveidahl, principal of the Rhythmic Music Conservatory and member of the partnership’s steering committee.
Gender distribution: Imbalance at all levels
In the report, the 79 participants share their own data on gender distribution, age, and wellbeing initiatives. Overall, the findings show that while there has been slight progress, the Danish music sector remains marked by significant gender inequality.
Men are overrepresented at all organisational levels—most notably in executive positions—while the distribution among employees is more balanced. The report also shows improvement in 56 percent of key figures from 2023 to 2024. However, Sveidahl explains that this apparent progress may be due more to a broader data base than to actual change.
“The figures confirm the imbalance we already know exists. What’s new is that the report gives us insight into how this imbalance manifests and evolves over time. That knowledge is essential for targeted action toward a music industry with equal access for everyone. This is not only about gender equality, but about the fact that greater diversity in the talent pool strengthens the artistic and cultural richness of music, across genres, skills, culture and aesthetics. It also supports the conditions for a more innovative and competitive industry,” Sveidahl describes.
Wellbeing and work environment: Compliance is lacking
For the first time, the report also includes measures on how organisations work with wellbeing in the workplace, including systematic practices and internal surveys. The findings show that 63 percent of participants conduct a workplace assessment (APV) at least every three years, which is legally required, while 28 percent do so less frequently or not at all. Additionally, 53 percent carry out voluntary wellbeing surveys, and 39 percent measure wellbeing among their core target groups. Depending on the type of partner, this could be e.g. students, members, artists in roster and the like.
Read the full report here.
