About the Research Project

The “Mapping the Music Industries” (MMI) research partnership, led by Drs. Miranda Campbell and Cheryl Thompson, Toronto Metropolitan University, is funded by a Partnership Development Grant (PDG) from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

MMI aims to assess, document, and develop strategies to improve the inclusion of Black and racialized individuals in the music industries. Inequality and discrimination remain ongoing, systemic issues in the music industries, resulting in a pressing need to examine not only how Black and racialized musicians and industry professionals overcome barriers to entry and get into the system, but also how they navigate the complexities involved in staying in the system. 

We aim to spotlight and amplify the role of community music programs that foster inclusive opportunities for participants to engage in music making, alongside providing platforms and supports to develop music industry careers

The MMI partnership combines expertise in policy development from the City of Toronto, Music Sector; advocacy and supports for Black musicians and industry professionals from ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Collective and the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA); and community organizing and supports for music careers from Small World Music; Community Music Schools of Toronto, Regent Park (CMST); and AFROWAVETO.