Black Lives in Music

Who we are

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.

BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.

Our culture and values

Values and What They Require of Us

BLiM's six values are not performative. They are the standard by which decisions are made, our people are managed, partnerships are chosen, and programmes are designed. The following makes explicit what each value requires in practice from a people management perspective. These are the standards to which BLiM holds itself and its people.

Bold

We say the hard things and take the necessary actions, even when it is uncomfortable.

Collaborative

We work with, not around, our colleagues, partners and community.

Inclusive

We practise internally what we advocate for externally.

Progressive

We move forward with purpose and learn as we go.

Fair

We treat everyone with consistency, transparency and respect.

Attentive

We listen first and respond with care.