Not Only Hardships: Raising the Visibility of the Experiences of Black and Racialized Musicians Through Participatory Arts-Based Research

Abstract

The Canadian music industry maintains systemic barriers of inequality and discrimination, especially for Black and racialized musicians. Meanwhile, community music programs foster inclusive opportunities for participants to engage in music making and develop music industry careers. This article presents our findings from our arts-based engagement ethnography (ABEE) methods, including the role of community music programmes in providing 1) spaces of relationality; 2) spaces for learning; and 3) support for navigating the music business. Our process methods, including shared meals and conversation, drawings, and digital mapping, add to the ABEE literature as effective tools that complement an intersectional framework.