Furthering diversity agendas in grassroots cultural production: a feminist geographical inquiry

This doctoral research project focusses on exploring practices of diversity and inclusivity within the context of feminist, grassroots cultural production. It is clear that there is currently considerable confusion over the parameters and conceptualisation of diversity agendas throughout society, despite increasing discussions in most sectors. Feminism has often been at the forefront of these debates (#MeToo, the gender pay gap, gender identity, etc.). Recent literature has also highlighted the importance of grassroots activism in furthering diversity agendas. This research spotlights the grassroots, feminist, punk organization LOUD WOMEN, a community formed to promote and celebrate diversity in the underground music scene. Through its founding principle and ongoing practice of inclusivity in all aspects of the community, LOUD WOMEN has expanded the most common manifestation of a diversity agenda, 'diversity of participation', into 'diversity of being'. Drawing on my experiences of working with LOUD WOMEN and participating in the wider music scene, I propose two research strands for this project. First, I intend to conduct a feminist cooperative inquiry in partnership with LOUD WOMEN, culminating in the production of a zine detailing the history and import of the LOUD WOMEN community as told by its members. This will be complimented by ethnographic and interview-based research within the organization. Second, I will contextualize LOUD WOMEN through critical policy analysis and further interviews engaging with a variety of stakeholders in the UK music sector (Music Venue Trust, the Arts Council, Women in CTRL etc.). Through so doing this project will further understandings of diversity agendas in the context of cultural production, particularly in a feminist, grassroots setting. It will also engage with feminist actors, both in the context of diversity agendas and the methodology of feminist cooperative inquiry. By marrying feminist geographies with cooperative feminist methodology, this project will make a valuable contribution to literature concerning diversity agendas and feminist cultural production.