The Recording Academy is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our core values and across every area of our organization, embracing our responsibility to drive real and meaningful change that ensures a culture of belonging for everyone. DREAM, also known as Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Music People, is an initiative that spotlights the cultural contributions of creators centered around eight priority groups.
DREAM Network
The Recording Academy’s 8 DREAM Groups
Black Music Collective (BMC)
Celebrating and elevating Black creators and cultural contributions.
https://www.recordingacademy.com/inclusion/black-music-collective
The Black Music Collective was originally conceived by music industry executive and GRAMMY Trustee Riggs Morales and formally developed in partnership with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. Valeisha Butterfield and Jeriel Johnson were also key early contributors. The initiative was launched as a global platform to accelerate progress, expand access, and celebrate Black music and its creators.
Women in the Mix
Empowering women and gender-expansive creators in all aspects of music.
Gold Music Alliance (GMA)
Supporting Pan-Asian creators while celebrating their cultural heritage and contributions to the music landscape.
Indigenous Peoples Network
Honoring and preserving Indigenous voices and traditions in music.
Academy Proud
Building visibility and community for LGBTQIA+ music professionals.
RAA+D (Accessibility & Disability)
Advancing accessibility and representation for creators with disabilities.
Crear Música
Uplifting and celebrating Latin music culture and creators.
GRAMMYs Next Gen
Engaging and empowering the next generation of music leaders through scholarship programs and continued collaboration with GRAMMY U.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Quinn Colleman Scholarship: Honoring the legacy of Quinn Coleman, this scholarship is open to students of all backgrounds, supporting those shaping the future of music through innovation and impact. Celebrating creators across eight resource groups, this scholarship welcomes applicants dedicated to building an inclusive and collaborative music community.
Your Future Is Now: an immersive program for HBCU students was created by the Black Music Collective and Amazon Music to inspire and support the next generation of powerful music leaders. The recipients receive a $10,000 scholarship, a week-long professional development experience in New York City, and exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders. In addition, two HBCU music programs are awarded $10,000 grants for new equipment.
Achievements 2025
Accessibility at the GRAMMYs & Latin GRAMMYs
For the first time, accessibility took center stage during GRAMMY Week. The Academy expanded accessibility support for attendees across all official venues, introduced ASL interpreters at the Red Carpet, Media Center, and the Premiere Ceremony, and continued to prioritize access during Latin GRAMMY Week events.
Women in the Mix at SXSW & GRAMMY House
From the Women in the Mix SXSW Mixer to Women Shaping the Future of Music at GRAMMY House NYC, this network highlighted women leaders and drove conversations around the power of visibility and creative equity in music.
Texas Chapter Block Party
The Texas Chapter hosted a block party bringing together members, creators, and local partners—fostering community and spotlighting emerging local talent.
R.I.S.E HER Summit
A celebration of women innovators in music, featuring mentorship, networking, and industry dialogues focused on career advancement and representation.
RIAA x RA GOTH Afterparty: No Fakes | Collaboration in the Digital Era
The co-hosted “No Fakes” event explored authenticity, artistry, and technology in modern music culture, uniting leaders from across creative and policy spaces.
GOTH Future Forum
Industry experts and innovators gathered to discuss the future of music, including emerging trends, technology, and creative equity for the next generation.
GRAMMYs Next Gen Member Mix
A networking event that brought young professionals together to build creative connections and explore new career pathways within the Recording Academy community.
Black Women’s Brilliance Brunch
An empowering brunch celebrating the creativity, leadership, and cultural influence of Black women shaping the music industry.
GRAMMY U & DEI Showcase
A dynamic showcase spotlighting diverse up-and-coming artists, co-hosted by GRAMMY U and the DEI team, strengthening community across Academy networks.
LA County Fair: GRAMMYs D.R.E.A.M. Lounge
An interactive lounge experience celebrating D.R.E.A.M. 's mission of diversity and inclusion, offering attendees an inside look at the GRAMMYs through performances and engagement.
AAC x Asian Nation x GMA Happy Hour
A joint mixer celebrating AAPI contributions to music, encouraging collaboration, and fostering cross-network relationships among members and allies.
Amplifying AAPI Voices
The Gold Music Alliance led impactful programming during AAPI Heritage Month—including cross-industry panels, Sounds of Unity performances, and a discussion on K-POP’s global blueprint.
Sessions: A Caribbean Music Industry Exchange
A cultural and professional exchange that spotlighted Caribbean artists and executives while strengthening connections across global music communities.
Pacific Bridge Arts: Night to Remember
In partnership with Pacific Bridge Arts, the Gold Music Alliance hosted a celebratory evening honoring AAPI creators and industry contributors.
Pride and Community Power
Through Out & Proud: A Queer Artist Showcase and Out West, Academy Proud built vibrant, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ creators and allies, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to inclusive artistry.
AIDS Walk Los Angeles
Academy members came together in support of HIV/AIDS awareness, community wellness, and social impact.
Indigenous Representation
The Indigenous People’s Network hosted Studio Sessions spotlighting Indigenous artists and creating new creative pathways that strengthen cultural visibility and collaboration.
Honoring Black Excellence Year-Round
The Black Music Collective anchored D.R.E.A.M.’s cultural leadership with major events like R&B Forever: BET Weekend Edition, The Cookout, and Rhythm & Soul, each celebrating the legacy and innovation of Black artistry.
BMC Town Hall
A community gathering for the Black Music Collective to discuss initiatives, share insights, and celebrate progress within the industry.
Your Future Is Now
The Your Future Is Now program expanded its reach in 2025 through a week-long immersive Amazon Music experience in New York, celebrating its fifth year with mentorship, networking, and creative development for HBCU students.
Latin GRAMMY Week: Crear Música Launch & Luncheon
Crear Música officially launched during Latin GRAMMY Week, in partnership with Amazon Music. The event celebrated Latin creators and introduced the network’s mission to empower and elevate Latin voices in music, strengthening cultural bridges across the global Academy community.
Membership (2025):
In 2025, 3,800+ new members were welcomed to join the Recording Academy.
From the joining members:
Women and gender-expansive members represent 36% of the new class
(35% Women | 1% Non-Binary or Gender Non-Conforming | <1% Self-Describe | 59% Male | 4% Prefer Not).
58% of new members identify as People of Color
Top represented groups include 28% Hispanic or Latin+, 20% Black or African American+, and 5% Asian or Pacific Islander+.
The membership reflects a balance of emerging and established creators — 50% are under 40, 43% are over 40, and 7% prefer not to disclose.