We need safe spaces in music

Sign our open letter and demand that live music is safe and inclusive for everyone.

The music industry is celebrating as our festivals and live events reopen to the world. It’s a moment we’ve all been waiting for. In a society that often works to divide us, music has the power to unite us – whatever the tough realities of life may be. 

But now we must face our own reality. And this reality is one that our industry has too long ignored: venues, festivals, studios and workplaces are too often not safe spaces for women, girls and marginalised genders. 

It is high time we change that, and we have a collective responsibility to take action. This restart needs to be for all of us. Our spaces must provide safety from harassment, violence, and abuse of power. Music should be a place of joy and inclusion for all.

Let’s make 2022 the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commit to change.

The problem is everywhere. More than 7 in 10 women have been sexually harassed in the UK, and over 40% of women aged under 40 at a live music event. Within the music sector, over 60% of workers have experienced sexual harassment. 

The vast majority of incidents go unreported, with over 95% of women not reporting sexual harassment. Almost half of UK musicians have faced sexual harassment at work, with workplace culture being cited as the greatest barrier to reporting.

We will not wait around while another woman experiences sexual harassment, violence or abuse – as an artist, as a professional, or as a fan. Let’s act now to make our music industry and live events safe.

Through our shared love of music and culture, and our shared respect for each other, we can – and will – work together to make all spaces safe for all people. Be part of the change – add your voice now.

Signed

UN Women UK
Strawberries & Creem
DICE
Mabel
Anne-Marie
MNEK
Sigrid
Laura Whitmore
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Becca Dudley
Mali-Koa
Holly Humberstone
Cassandra Gracey, Sony Music
Good Night Out Campaign CIC
Eleanor Halls
Ben Skerritt
Roundhouse Trust
Cambs & Peterborough Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Partnership
Wales Violence Prevention Unit
Professional Medical Ambulance Services Limited
Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival
Proud Events Limited
Music Managers Forum

Emily Eavis
Glastonbury
The Eden Project
Clara Amfo
Rudimental
Paloma Faith
Beverley Knight
Gabrielle
Beatrich
Yasmin Evans
Poppy Ajudha
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Precious Omoregie
Elspeth Merry
The Bloodshake Chorus
Sexism Free Night Project
Safe The Dance
Anjuna Beats
Amigas Live
Cornwall Council
iluvlive
Women in CTRL
Women of Warner UK
Scroll down for full list of signatories…

Sign here

    Organisations

    If you are a festival, event, promoter, venue or organisation and you would like to pledge your support for the Safe Spaces Now campaign, you can do that below – and we’ll get in touch to discuss your own commitments.

    Want to help make public spaces safer?

    Help us keep the Safe Spaces Now project running, and make more spaces across the UK safer for women, girls and marginalised groups.

    The Safe Spaces Now project

    Learn more about our wider Safe Spaces Now project, working to make all public spaces across the UK safer and more inclusive for women, girls and marginalised people