ISM launches The Empowered Musician 2020

ISM launches The Empowered Musician 2020

A free two-day online conference which explores the issues affecting the music industry today and provides support, skills and advice to empower musicians

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) is delighted to announce The Empowered Musician 2020, which will take place on Wednesday 2and Thursday 3 December 2020, from 10am to 5pm. Despite acknowledgement of their role in lifting spirits during the pandemic, musicians have subsequently been described by the Government as unviable, told to retrain in other professions, and have been continually excluded from vital funding. For professional musicians in the UK, there has never been a greater need for support, recognition and empowerment. In a series of future-focused keynote speeches and interactive panel discussions, we will explore how musicians can continue to be creative through the pandemic, the value of music to society, the impending threat of Brexit, the opportunities and drawbacks of technology and the impact of COVID-19 on existing inequalities in the music sector, as well as providing key advice for staying resilient in challenging times.  This opportunity for discussion and discovery will bring together innovative artists and leading music industry experts to share their experiences and offer practical advice for success. Speakers include Dr Anita Collins, David Lammy MP, Kadiatu Kanneh-MasonSK Shlomo and Roderick Williams, among others. 

To see the full event programme and list of speakers, and to book your free ticket, please visit our website

The Incorporated Society of Musicians’ Chief Executive, Deborah Annetts, said:‘The ISM is proud to be organising The Empowered Musician 2020. At the end of a turbulent and disruptive year for the sector, it will offer music professionals much-needed support and inspiration and will demonstrate the viability and value of a career in music.’

The Right Honourable David Lammy MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, said:‘I am delighted to be participating in the ISM’s The Empowered Musician 2020 event, and looking forward to addressing the UK’s professional musicians, who have been so badly affected by the current coronavirus pandemic. I know from personal experience how vital music is to our lives and how important it is that we protect it for future generations.’

Award-winning beatboxer and producer SK Shlomo said:‘COVID-19 has hit musicians hard, both financially and in terms of mental health. We are rising to the challenges as best as we can, with innovation and creativity, and the ISM has been with us every step of the way.  I am proud to speak at this event and support ISM’s efforts to empower musicians and help keep the UK’s music scene alive.’