Purpose: First Music Contact (FMC) is embarking on an important new project to help shape a more inclusive, equitable, and representative Irish music industry. This independent survey is part of a comprehensive Diversity Audit of the Irish music sector and aims to amplify underrepresented voices, collect meaningful data, and develop actionable recommendations to foster lasting change. Whether you are an established professional or emerging musician, we believe your insight and perspective would be invaluable to this effort.

Consent & Access:
* The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
* It includes 3 sections with 26 questions.
* If you would prefer to complete this survey by phone or with the assistance of an access consultant, please contact: [cathycoughlanarts@gmail.com](mailto:cathycoughlanarts@gmail.com)

* All responses are anonymous. No personal data will be stored, sold, or shared beyond the purposes of this audit.

The deadline to submit your response is November 1st 2025
SECTION 1 : ABOUT ME

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* 1. What Pronouns do you use?

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* 2. What is your Gender identity? (please self identify)

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* 3. How do you describe your ethnicity or cultural background? (Please self identify)

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* 4. Do you consider yourself to have a disability or long-term health condition?

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* 5. If 'yes', do you publicly identify as a person with a disability?

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* 6. Do you identify as Neurodivergent?

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* 7. What is your Age?

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* 8. Where do you live?

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* 9. What best describes what you do?

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* 10. We recognise there are many ways to measure success in the music industry. Please rank the following in order of importance to you and your career.

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* 11. What social media platform do you use most?

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* 12. Which of the following organisations have you engaged with throughout your career?

SECTION 2: DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN THE IRISH MUSIC INDUSTRY

We want to hear more about your experiences of the Irish Music Industry.

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* 13. Do you feel the Irish music industry reflects the diversity of the population?

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* 14. In your experience, have you encountered barriers to participation or progression in the music industry due to any of the following? (Select all that apply)

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* 15. If 'yes', please tell us more about your experience.

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* 16. Have you witnessed or experienced discrimination, exclusion, or bias within the music industry?

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* 17. If 'yes', please describe (optional):

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* 18. Do you feel diversity, equity, and inclusion are actively prioritised within the Irish music industry?

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* 19. Have you ever felt pressure to hide or downplay any part of your identity in order to succeed or be accepted in the music industry?

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* 20. What changes would you like to see to make the Irish music industry more inclusive and equitable?

SECTION 3: ENGAGEMENT WITH FIRST MUSIC CONTACT

First Music Contact (FMC) is the resource organisation for the popular music sector in Ireland with local, national and international impact, funded by the Arts Council. For the past 28 years, we have supported and showcased the careers of Ireland’s popular musicians and professionals. We aim to provide popular music artists in Ireland with the resources, training, skills development and showcase platforms needed to advance their careers and creative output. FMC operates from a philosophy that puts the musician at the centre of the music industry.

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* 21. Are you aware of First Music Contact as a National resource organisation for popular music in Ireland?

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* 22. What programmes are you aware of?

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* 23. How did you hear about the programme?

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* 24. Have you applied for supports or opportunities through FMC?

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* 25. If 'yes', what opportunity did you apply for, and what was your experience like?

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* 26. Are you aware of any diversity or inclusion policies or quotas implemented by FMC?

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* 27. Do you think this kind of affirmative action is effective in diversifying the industry?

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* 28. What could FMC do to become a more equitable and inclusive organisation?

Thank You


Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important work. Your voice matters. Together, we can help build a more inclusive future for music in Ireland.


If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a €100 one4all voucher or if you'd like to stay informed about the results of this survey or future initiatives, please indicate this by leaving your email address below.

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* 29. Email Address (Optional)

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