Diversity


Background


After the prominent BLACK LIVES MATTER protests and fights for justice and equality in 2020 we took a step back to review what we had done up until that point for those communities. We as a club at the heart of Liverpool’s music scene have a duty to be actively anti-racist. We continue to read, listen, discuss and educate ourselves on racism, systemic racism and white privilege.

Recent times and engagement with BLM protests allowed us to reflect on how we operate as a venue and the action we have took up until now to do more for black communities and the wider global majority. In reflection, it hadn’t been anywhere near enough. This led to conversations with peers and friends about what more we can be doing for all minority groups in music; which in essence boils down to everyone other than cis white men.

We acted on this as a music venue with immediate effect.



Implementation


We have always tried to provide a diverse representation of artists across all of our in-house parties. We will be continuing to improve this representation through our upcoming series of parties. Whilst our in-house parties have always been at the forefront of our minds; externally promoted events also represent the venue. So from 2020 onwards, we’ve been engaging in conversations and offering assistance to all external promoters to ensure they’re considering diversity across their own season of shows. By doing so, we hope we can all move forward in a positive direction to make Liverpool’s music scene a more representative one.


Diversity Reports


We conduct an annual review of diversity across in-house parties and externally promoted events in order to assess improvements year on year.

 March ‘19 - March ‘20 Review ︎ 
 July ‘20 - July ‘21 Review ︎ 
 July ‘21 - July ‘22 Review ︎ 

 July ‘22 - July ‘23 Review ︎ 


Training


Staff training takes place every six months with procedural plans on how to react to on-the-night issues of harassment and discrimination. This training is also carried over to members of security staff who posses a guideline document on how to deal with similar issues.


Subsidised Tickets


We have implemented subsidised ticket costs for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds to provide access to our programme for all who want to enjoy it. We have never intended to create any sort of exclusive environment at meraki and we hope by providing subsidised ticket costs more people will be able to come down to shake a leg. We’ve also set up a donation post-box on the bar so punters can donate to a free taxi fund for the most vulnerable amongst us; specifically aimed at vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you feel you’re in either of these groups and need help with subsidised ticket costs or a free taxi home just drop us an email in advance or speak to our staff on the night.
 Email Us ︎  


The Future


Future plans include working towards starting a programme that will train people from the global majority to become sound engineers and programmers. The music industry is obviously very important to us and somewhere we feel we can make a positive difference over time. We offer out our space to local black groups and community projects free of charge or at a heavily subsidised rate where possible. This is available for any activity but specifically focusing on music based activities, like after school DJ workshops etc. If you’re from a community group and want to use our space for any of the above midweek please get in touch.
 Community Group Free Hire ︎ 

Feedback


If you have any thoughts on this or you think we can do more please drop us an email.

 Leave Feedback ︎  


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meraki
3 Dickson Street
Liverpool
L3 7EB