We must drive diversity and inclusion in the London and UK music industry. Join our panel to talk about the new or enduring challenges faced by blind and visually impaired people working in music, and how we can create and facilitate employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired people. This event will take place on the occasion of the launch of the Baluji Music Foundation’s research survey Blind to the Facts 2023 which is funded by the Vision Foundation and conducted by Dr Claire Castle in collaboration with Dr David Baker of the University of London Institute of Education.

This event will be accompanied by a performance from the Inner Vision Orchestra, the only ensemble of professional blind musicians in the world, and networking and drinks with other industry insiders, musicians, venues, music bodies and funders.

Drive change, promote inclusion, support creativity. Celebrate the power of music to transform lives!

Thanks to Rich Mix for their generous support with hosting this event

Speakers:

Abi Baker BMus Hons RCM PGdip (Distinction)- Multi-Instrumentalist and educator and member of Inner Vision Orchestra; Research Assistant, Blind to the Facts 2023

Dr. Claire Castle - Expert in music and visual impairment. Lead researcher Blind to the Facts 2023, Baluji Music Foundation Research Fellow and Senior Scientist BRAVO VICTOR.

Linda Shanson BSc (Hons)- Co-founder of the Baluji Music Foundation, Manager of the Inner Vision Orchestra, producer, published author and composer.

John Shortell - Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Musician’s Union and Member of UK Music's Diversity Taskforce

Steve Stanley- Director of Evaluation and Impact at Access Creative College, the largest private training and education provider in England

Moderator:

Victoria Oruwari BMus Hons TCM and PGdip (Distinction) MSc. Soprano and member of Inner Vision Orchestra

Host:

Baluji Shrivastav OBE. Blind Indian multi instrumentalist and composer , Director of the Inner Vision Orchestra and co-founder of the Baluji Music Foundation

Baluji Shrivastav OBE says: “Being great at music isn’t enough to get you employed as a musician. That’s true for all musicians, but it’s even more so the case if you’re blind. I have experienced this myself. I have lost jobs or been made to feel that including me on a tour would be an inconvenience because of my blindness - the music doesn’t even come into it. We want to remove these pointless obstacles - not just for musicians but for promoters, sound technicians, composers etc. - and create opportunities across the whole UK music industry. Blind people may not be able to see you, but we deserve to be seen and heard.”

Baluji Music Foundation expert panel and networking event