Music NT releases Gender Equity Report for 2022

On the positive side, there was increased participation by women in MusicNT training, an increased proportion of female and non-binary musicians seeking artist support and we had stable leadership and gender diversity at board, senior management and staff levels.

However, the existing disparities between female and male opportunities and representation across First Nations music persists and results in many areas remain mixed. This makes it even more important to continue providing women’s programs like Divas and Sista Sounds and ongoing advocacy for more spaces and other resources for women and girls in music, especially in remote locations.

MusicNT Chairperson Claire Kilgariff said, “I am very proud of this honest and thoughtful report. We remain committed to being transparent and leading from the front. This report focusses mainly on what is in our more direct control as a Peak Body but we know there are many other areas that need attention. Things like gender diversity in gig line ups – whether they’re regular pub ones, corporate events or festivals – the proportion of females and gender diverse individuals in bands or ensembles, in music education, in production and so on, and we are always keen for input in what we can do as peak. We encourage all in the Industry to check out the Northern Territory Music Industry Code of Conduct, and identify where you can support gender diversity in our Industry.”

A major win for NT musicians is that from early 2022 Arts NT has no longer specifically excluded childcare costs from funding applications. This was a key recommendation made by women in music during consultations in 2020 and we thank Arts NT for listening and acting.

Read the full report here.