All Things Equal is a major new event from creative music charity, Brighter Sound, and queer-led producing organisation and international festival, Submerge.
Taking place on International Women’s Day on March 8 2022 at the Depot Mayfield in Manchester, the event will mark the launch of a new manifesto from Brighter Sound for gender equality in music.
The manifesto is part of the ‘Both Sides Now Programme’ and aims to create long-lasting change around the roles, representation and recognition of women (inclusive) in music.
An open letter will follow on February 17, with full findings and recommendations from the manifesto, to be announced at the event.
“As an organisation at the forefront of gender equality through ‘Both Sides Now’, we’ve seen significant positive action in the music industry over the last five years, when it comes to representation and equality,” said Debra King, director of Brighter Sound.
“However, countless barriers persist for many marginalised people, making it harder to get the support and access they need.
“With the launch of our crowd-sourced manifesto, we want to pave the way for measurable and impactful change that enables future and current talent from all backgrounds to feel safe, visible and included.”
Created specifically for the event will be a large-scale and immersive audio-visual installation by Rebecca Smith (Urban Projections), with a custom soundtrack by Loraine James and spoken word from Princess Arinola Adegbite.
“During the creation of the installation, I shared skills and knowledge with four female and non-binary artists and the process of creating it, represents a shift in equilibrium,” said Smith.
“There is an acute sense of tension and harmony which is felt throughout, from beautifully transcendent moments of calm and reflection, to chaotic and sometimes disorientating mechanical swells. The piece tries to jostle with the journey of re-balancing and making things equal.”
A private viewing for artists and music industry will be followed by a free public event, open to all 7pm-midnight, with a line-up of DJs including Girls Don’t Sync and Shannen SP.
The event is partnered with Adlib and Depot Mayfield and supported by Arts Council England, Youth Music, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Mayfield Valley Arts Trust, PRS Foundation, Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.