Tomorrow marks the beginning of the BIGSOUND music industry conference and artist showcase in Brisbane. Not only is the event an awesome collection of artists and industry heavyweights rivalling for the biggest date on the musical calendar; it also has a strong social conscience.
Going out to see live music is an Australian pastime, but for many women, pubs and clubs can be intimidating places where they are subject to sexual harassment and violence. Over the two days of BIGSOUND (9-11th September) the Australian music industry will come together to raise awareness that violence against women is #notON. The campaign is a collaboration between QMusic, Our Nightlight Queensland, White Ribbon Australia, The Valley Liquor Accord and #notON.
Using the live music platform, artists will be wearing t-shirts and talking to audiences directly to raise awareness about domestic violence, while concertgoers will be surveyed about their perceptions of safety at live music venues. As part of the wider program, acclaimed music journalist Jessica Hopper will be talking about safe spaces and other issues affecting women in the music industry. However, the campaign message reaches wider than just live music, and aims to raise awareness of domestic violence that takes place in any environment.
CEO of White Ribbon Australia, Libby Davies, said in response to the initiative:
“we are excited to have the support of the music industry via this creative initiative. It is so important to break the silence that surround’s men’s violence against women. Hearing musicians lend their voices to the campaign helps to expand the reach of our prevention work aimed at changing the attitude and behaviours that lead to such violence.”
Make sure you show your support to all the fabulous ladies that make up our music industry and audiences as you party down to the country’s best acts over the next couple of days.