Context
Building on the foundations of the AEC ARTEMIS project (2022–2025), the AEC’s DEI structures address structural imbalances across Higher Music Education Institutions in Europe and beyond.
Higher Music Education Institutions (HMEIs) continue to face deep-rooted structural imbalances — across gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background, and other interconnected dimensions. The AEC’s DEI Panel of Experts was established to confront these realities head-on, building on the proven model developed and tested during the Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality (DIGE) Working Group under the ARTEMIS project (2022–2025).
Two panel members, Monica Vejgaard and Xiangning Lin, carry forward their direct experience from the previous project, joined by three new voices from across the AEC network. Simultaneously, the DEI Allies Network was launched to sustain and expand community engagement — reaching beyond Europe through Associate members and connecting past workshop participants who wish to remain actively involved.
Work plan
The Panel of Experts is developing concrete instruments and safe spaces for change across the AEC ecosystem. Its work covers both internal policy and outward institutional support.
The panel will organise several workshops at AEC member institutions to provide hands-on support in implementing DEI strategies locally. In addition, it is developing an internal document aimed at guiding AEC’s DEI-related policies and practices. This includes recommendations on inclusive recruitment and selection criteria, clear procedures and measurable targets for integrating DEI priorities in the project management, and strategies to ensure diverse and equitable representation across AEC’s working structures. DEI Allies based in Europe will also facilitate safe and creative spaces at AEC events.
Collaborations within the AEC ecosystem
The DEI Panel does not operate in isolation. It is embedded in a web of ongoing dialogue across the AEC’s working structures to ensure coherence and amplify impact.
AEC Office & Council
Ensuring the DEI Project Checklist and tools remain relevant and reflect the diverse needs of HMEIs at institutional and policy level.
Education & Profession WG
Exploring how DEI principles shape the transition from education into professional musical life, including mentoring approaches.
Special Education Needs WG
Aligning perspectives and areas of focus to ensure inclusive approaches are joined-up across AEC’s working structures.
DEI Panel of experts:
Monica Vejgaard
Danish National Academy of Music
Odense, Denmark
Xiangning Lin
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Singapore
Enric Aragonès Jové
Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya
Barcelona – Spain
Jennie Henley
Royal Northern College of Music
Manchester – United Kingdom
Martha Lomeli-Rodriguez
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool – United Kingdom
Alessandra Callegari
Coordinator, AEC Office
DEI Allies:
Steven Faber
Program Coordinator Master of Music, Research Supervisor
ArtEZ University of the Arts – Netherlands
Tuan Hao Tan
Music Theory & Critical Reflection Teacher, Global Engagement Coordinator
Royal Danish Academy of Music – Denmark
Nicolas Gonzalez
Assistant Vice President for Strategic Innovation & Special Initiatives
Manhattan School of Music – USA
Iro Menegou
Piano Professor, Advanced Theory Professor, Coordinator for International Relations
Municipal Conservatory of Pylaia-Chortiatis – Greece
Karine Hahn
Head of the Pedagogy Department
CNSMD de Lyon — France
Xavier Tan
Teaching Assistant
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore — (Singapore)
