In its organisation, ESNS aspires to be a reflection of the world we live in and the sector in which we work. ESNS wants to show concrete results as a more inclusive organisation in 2024 under the name ‘Music for Everyone’.
Working Group Diversity & Inclusivity
After ESNS22, an internal working group was set up, with a delegate from each section. This working group meets once every three weeks and then discusses the state of affairs within each department and makes plans to safeguard diversity and inclusivity in the organisation.
Advisory Board Diversity & Inclusion
To realise our ambitions, ESNS is starting a new national advisory board of young adults. This advisory board consists of a group of students and (young) professionals who use their expertise, experience and network to make ESNS more inclusive. Within ESNS they contribute new perspectives and give solicited and unsolicited advice.
The advisory board enriches ESNS with new knowledge by being critical and making new connections to make a major social impact. The advisory board learns how the music industry works and establishes a broad network in the sector. Thanks to the exchange of knowledge and experience, ESNS can continue to develop into an organization that is accessible to everyone.
External advice
We are advised several times a year in the field of inclusivity, diversity and accessibility. Prior to ESNS23, we sought advice from Revelland about creative accessibility. From which, among other things, the pointing stickers at the Eurosonic Air bar were added and plans were made how we can make Eurosonic's locations more accessible.
In addition, we have repeatedly sought advice from the Accessible Groningen Working Group (Werkgroep Toegankelijk Groningen) in the field of accessibility in the city. The working group also visits us on the eve of Eurosonic and advises us on the spot, so that we can make last minute adjustments.
Finally, we invite during ESNS BlipVR. They will investigate how ESNS is experienced by people with low literacy, and give us advice on this.
Rules of Conduct
Rules of conduct have been drawn up for ESNS' own organisation, crew, speakers and partners. The organisation shares this annually and actively.
Confidential advisor
There is an external confidential advisor present for employees and crew of ESNS. They can contact the confidential advisor without the intervention of the management team or other colleagues.
Quartermasters
Martin van Engel joined ESNS in September as quartermaster Diversity & Inclusivity. As a D&I advisor to (non-)profit organisations, he set up impact research and inclusion programs, and he also initiated projects himself. Martin will develop an action plan on all four P's (Program, Public, Partners and Personnel) together with the organisation and experts and guide the advisory board.
In collaboration with Hooman Nassimi of New Faces, ESNS will work with newcomers for the upcoming edition. Hooman will support ESNS to create an inclusive organisational culture, by providing knowledge and practical cooperation to give newcomers a structural place within the organisation.
In addition, HR consultancy VIE People has been hired to advise on the more inclusive recruitment of people, the sustainable construction and retention of a more diverse workforce and the strengthening of inclusive employment. Irma Meijer and Susan Aukema advise ESNS on this. Roy de Brabander has also been coaching the management team for inclusive leadership for a year now.
Research University of Groningen students
How can 21st century festivals become a safe environment for groups that are historically excluded? That is what the students of the University of Groningen will investigate in a large study into diversity and inclusion in the European live music industry.
This research was set up by Lisa Schoemaker (ESNS conference) and Julia Gudzent (Guds Agency) with the ultimate goal of making festivals and concerts a safe place for everyone, both in front of and behind the scenes. The research is in collaboration with the Science Shop of the University of Groningen. They connect issues of organisations with students and education.
The students start with the research at ESNS, in order to understand the actions that are already being carried out on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility and to contribute to these actions. The students each have their own area to focus on: