East Coast Music Association responds to calls for boycott with a plan for change
The East Coast Music Association has unveiled a new action plan in response to recent controversies surrounding its upcoming awards show. Just weeks after Jeremy Dutcher, a prominent nominee, withdrew all eight of his nominations, the association has sent its members a “six-point plan for unity and progress” aimed at addressing concerns over the firing of CEO Blanche Israël earlier this year.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the association acknowledged the diverse views held by its members, staff, and stakeholders regarding the organization’s mission and goals. The controversy surrounding Israël’s dismissal has led to several nominees and artists dropping out of the upcoming ECMA conference and awards week, scheduled to take place in St. John’s starting on May 7.
Calls for transparency and accountability within the organization have been mounting, with some individuals even calling for a boycott of the May events until the association addresses governance issues and provides more information about Israël’s termination. In a previous statement, the association cited concerns such as lost institutional knowledge and decisions being made without board approval as reasons for Israël’s dismissal, acknowledging that the handling of the situation left members feeling blindsided.
The newly unveiled action plan includes a series of steps aimed at promoting positive structural change within the ECMA. These actions include drafting a transparency policy to update the governance structure, organizing a panel discussion on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, creating forums for members to share their vision for the organization, involving members in the hiring of a new CEO, and establishing advisory committees on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the East Coast Music Awards gala is set to proceed as planned on May 8 at the Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s, with various events scheduled throughout the week. While some artists and industry professionals have chosen to withdraw their nominations in protest, others have opted to participate in the event and use their platform to address concerns about the organization’s recent decisions.
As the ECMA works towards implementing its new action plan and addressing the issues raised by its members and stakeholders, the organization remains committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and positive change within the East Coast music community.
