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A new initiative focused on the representation and support of South Asian artists and music professionals in the UK music industry.

Founded by Vikram Gudi

ABOUT

LILA (Sanskrit: divine play) is a newly launched initiative designed to reshape the equities of South Asian participation in the UK music industry and bridge the gap in representation and support. Central to LILA's mission is the preservation of South Asian music's cultural heritage and showcasing the talents and contributions of its musicians. In partnership with the Center for Music Ecosystems, LILA uses research tools and strategic initiatives to develop programmes that provide funding, career resources, recognition, and global opportunities. LILA is committed to cultural heritage preservation, global connectivity, and driving opportunities for South Asian artists and industry professionals in the UK music industry.

We will act as a central organisation, resource and point of coordination, dedicated to championing and supporting South Asian music in the UK.

We will deliver support and programming that contributes to increasing the number of South Asian workers in the UK music industry.

We will deliver support and programming that fosters global opportunities for South Asian artists, including at all showcase events featuring UK artists.

We will develop research and monitoring programs to quantify the current makeup of South Asians working in music in the UK and produce a nuanced understanding of the challenges South Asian artists and emerging professionals face in music.

PROJECTS

Glastonbury Festival ‘Arrivals’ Stage

LILA is proud to support the production of Glastonbury’s first-ever dedicated South Asian space. Dubbed ‘Arrivals’, the festival venue will be created, designed, and built by an entirely South Asian team—a collaboration between Dialled In, Going South and Daytimers, which are all South Asian-led cultural organisations. The venue will function as a pivotal gateway into the music industry and mainstream festivals for aspiring South Asian artists and professionals.

Quantifying South Asian Representation

While there is a general sense that South Asians are underrepresented in the UK music industry, we lack the data to meaningfully quantify this representation, and fully understand where resources should be directed to increase it. Over the coming months, LILA will work with partners to undertake a program of research to understand the state of South Asian representation in UK music. This work will produce both hard numbers, as well as a qualitative understanding of the needs of South Asian individuals.

Moving into the Future

Based on its research findings, Lila will implement evidence-based programmes that contribute to increased opportunities for South Asian leadership and inclusion in the UK music industry. Lila also recognizes that South Asian participation in the UK music industry depends on a holistic and global outlook for nurturing South Asian musicians. Therefore, Lila is developing an incubator program to support on-the-ground music talent in South Asian countries. These and other forthcoming Lila initiatives will help pave the way for South Asian musicians and professionals to thrive within the UK music industry.

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