80 organisations across the creative industries have committed to “build workplaces that truly value, support and empower parents and carers” who are working in the sector, by signing a new pledge organised by Parents And Carers In Performing Arts, or PiPA.
Music industry organisations Help Musicians, the Musicians’ Union, UK Music, LIVE and MMF are among the organisations backing the pledge, which PiPA describes as a “new sector-wide commitment to long term structural change that makes the performing arts more accessible, equitable and sustainable for those with caregiving responsibilities”.
The pledge begins by recognising that parents and carers “face real barriers to work in the performing arts”. It then asks participating organisations to put in place policies and practices that remove those barriers, including a “culture of flexibility” that enables people working in the creative industries to achieve a positive work-life balance.
PiPA’s pledge is also endorsed by a number of performers, including musician Emmy The Great, and actors Rosalie Craig and Rakie Ayola, who have all issued statements urging more organisations in music, theatre, dance and other performing arts to get involved.
Craig says, “Care is an important universal human experience. Yet too often, parents and carers are forced to choose between their families and their careers. But care is not a compromise, it’s a strength”.
“When we support parents and carers”, she goes on, “we keep talent in the industry and make space for stories that reflect real life. This is about working together to create an arts world where no one has to choose between family and career”.
Emmy The Great adds, “I know firsthand how hard it is to balance the demands of a music career with a family. When we support parents and carers, we’re not just supporting individuals, we’re investing in the long-term health and diversity of our creative communities”.
“I think about what kind of industry future generations will inherit”, she continues, “whether they’ll see themselves reflected in it and want to be a part of it. The PiPA Pledge is about building that future now. It’s about making sure the music industry doesn’t just survive, but that it evolves with our times, with care, with equity, and with imagination”.
The PiPA pledge is as follows...
1. TO RECOGNISE:
Carers and parents face real barriers to work in the performing arts. We seek to recognise those barriers and to address them with informed action.
2. TO CHAMPION:
We champion carers and parents who are integral to our creative strength. Through leadership and collaboration, we shape inclusive workplaces that respond to their needs.
3. TO BALANCE:
Work-life balance supports wellbeing and powers creativity. We’re building a culture of flexibility grounded in open conversations about how, when and where work happens.
4. TO EVOLVE:
We’re putting care into practice. We continue to evolve, staying relevant by developing adaptable, responsive and supportive policies and practices.
5. TO CELEBRATE:
We celebrate and showcase the exceptional creativity, skills and experiences that parents and carers bring to the performing arts.