Interview: Rosa Lois Balle Yahiya (Another Life)
What does representation mean to you?
Rosa Lois Balle Yahiya: For me representation is an umbrella term that includes subjects like numeric representation, under-representation, misrepresentation, discrimination, power structures and structural injustice and justice. I think it is relevant and important to understand and investigate the different aspects of the work with representation and to keep a humble and open mind to the people with lived experiences that differ from your own. At Another Life we work with data, research, knowledge sharing and community to support the work with representation in the music and cultural sector.
What do you look for regarding representation or anti-racism work before attending a festival?
RL: As the bare minimum, I think that it is important that the line-up is showcasing artists with all ages, genders, ethnicities, bodies, skin colours, sexualities, religions and backgrounds. Besides that, I think that it is super relevant that the festival is working with representation within its own organisation. This could include focus on a healthy work environment, the safety and wellbeing of different people at the workplace, as well as numeric representation and a clear plan for what to do if you experience discrimination. A lot of workplaces have a plan in case of sexism (which is good) but don’t know how to follow up and act if the employees experience e.g. racism or ableism. Both personally and professionally, this is something I find important when attending and collaborating with festivals.
What do you look for during a festival?
RL: In Another Life we unfortunately have seen several examples of women and minoritised individuals who have experienced both direct and subtle discrimination and assaults at festivals – artists, employees and audiences. Data shows that different people are met and potentially discriminated against differently because of society’s structures and human discriminatory behaviour. I therefore think that it is crucial to acknowledge that there can be different or extended needs for protection and safety guidelines when hosting women and minorities artists or audiences. For example, we can see that black and brown LGBTQIA+ individuals are exposed to a lot of discriminatory behaviour. Therefore, it is important that festivals relate to and create initiatives around what they can do to ensure that this does not happen during their festival.
What can festivals improve in the upcoming years?
RL:
- Have a clear plan for what to do if anyone is exposed to discrimination.
- Use data based on the lived experiences from the most minoritised people and groups to create the needed positive change.
- Work internally in your organisation with the broad understanding of ‘representation.’
- Make sure that your line-up is representing the people in society.
What is the most significant or important change you’ve seen regarding representation and anti-racism at festivals in the last 5-10 years?
RL: Most line-ups now are more representative than they were 5-10 years ago. Also, the old excuses of quality as a reason for the lack of numeric representation is now more or less outdated. The fact that more and more festivals and other cultural events are willing to open up the conversation about representation in a more nuanced way is also an important change. So even though there is still a long way to go, and we will probably never stop being able to make changes and improvements for the better, I am hopeful that we will see even more positive changes in the years to come.
About Rosa Lois Balle Yahiya & Another Life
Rosa Lois Balle Yahiya (she/her) has worked in various parts of the music industry since 2013 and has a BA in Music Management from the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen.
Rosa Lois is the founder and head of secretariat at the award-winning non-profit association Another Life, which deals with representation, mental health and discrimination in Danish music and cultural life. Another Life is involved in knowledge dissemination, research and community in various projects and formats, including workshops, talks, presentations, consultations, reports, festivals and the development of implementable knowledge material.
Rosa Lois focuses on working conditions for minoritized individuals and women, representation, and discrimination in all her projects. She is, among other things, a board member of the non-profit organisation Public Service, which works on representation in the media industry, and a mentor in SOUND and The Soulfuls.
