The SMIA Summit 2024: Re-imagining Music Spaces – From Vision to Sector-wide Reality

This session explores how Scotland’s music industry can create more inclusive and accessible spaces – from venues and studios to workplaces and festivals.

Focusing on both physical design and broader industry practices, this session highlights how equitable access can be embedded across the sector. Through case studies and real-world examples, panellists share actionable strategies to challenge the status quo, improve representation, and create environments where everyone can thrive.

This session was recorded as part of the SMIA Summit 2024 – a free, two-day online event exploring what’s next for Scotland’s music industry.

Topics include:

• Actionable strategies to enhance accessibility and inclusion
• The role of design in creating inclusive music environments
• Universal design principles and their application in the music sector
• Broader outcomes and benefits of access and representation
• Challenging the status quo and embedding inclusive practices

Session Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Introduction by Robert Kilpatrick (Scottish Music Industry Association)
• 01:10 – Keynote by Mobolaji Agoro (PITCH Scotland / UP2STNDRD / Fathom MGMT)
• 10:48 – Panel discussion moderated by Thursa Sanderson (Drake Music Scotland), featuring:
  • Dill Dowdall (Ponyboy)
  • Kim Simpson (Creative Scotland)
  • Sanjeev Mann (Supermann on da beat / Hip Hop Scotland)
• 48:04 – Audience Q&A

Accessibility:
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Explore more SMIA Summit 2024 sessions:

• A Sound Investment – What’s Scotland’s Music Industry Worth?
• Innovate or Stagnate – Tech’s Role in Scottish Music’s Future
• Beyond the Central Belt – Decentralising Scotland’s Music Industry
• Achieving Fair Work in Scotland’s Music Industry
• Addressing Gender Discrimination in Scotland’s Music Industry
• An International Music Strategy – Building a Sustainable Global Presence