Set the tone: together for a safe and inclusive music sector.
2026 study
In 2023, Movisie conducted the first sector-wide study on the prevalence and impact of inappropriate and transgressive behaviour in the Dutch music industry on behalf of Taskforce GO!. The findings made it clear that social safety is far from guaranteed for many professionals working in the sector.
Three years later, a follow-up study was conducted to assess how music professionals currently experience social safety within the industry. The results show that awareness has increased and that more people are engaging in conversations about social safety. At the same time, inappropriate and transgressive behaviour remains widespread.
These findings highlight the need for continued attention, concrete action, and shared responsibility. Creating a safe and inclusive music sector is something we must do together.
How often does it occur?
1 in 3
experienced inappropriate or transgressive behaviour in the past three years
About half
witnessed inappropriate or transgressive behaviour
7%
say they have engaged in inappropriate or transgressive behaviour themselves
)-4.png)
Is inappropriate or transgressive behaviour being reported?
46% of bystanders took some form of action or made a report.
92% of people with
personal experience
discussed it with
someone or reported it.
Only 21% of people with
personal experience
made an official report.
Most people who experience inappropriate or transgressive behaviour speak up about it, but formal reporting remains limited.
What has changed?
63% say that
awareness has i
ncreased.
50% have adjusted
their own behaviour.
49% are not
familiar with
‘I Set the Tone’.
Awareness is growing and behaviour is changing, but not everyone is being reached yet.
What does this require from the sector?
The research shows that raising awareness is an important first step. The next step is to strengthen the behaviours, culture, and systems that contribute to social safety.
Movisie recommends, among other things:
-
making reporting structures more accessible and easier to navigate;
-
encouraging leaders and managers to take greater responsibility;
-
embedding social safety as a structural part of policies and training programmes;
-
continuing to create space for dialogue, reflection, and learning.
See the studies
Research helps us better understand the experiences of music professionals and the steps needed to make the sector safer, more inclusive, and more socially responsible.
Curious about the full results, analyses, and recommendations?
View the latest report below, or explore the findings of the 2023 study.
