Saffron Records has announced that applications are now open for the 2023-24 edition of EMERGING – Saffron’s Artist Development Program for Black women, trans and nonbinary people based in Bristol and South-West England. The non-profit is making a last-minute call out for music creator applicants, as they continue their mission to help improve gender equality in the sector.
Less than 5% of the music tech industry is comprised of women, non-binary or trans people and under 1% of them are people of colour. Beginning this December, Saffron will work with four Black music creators on a programme of artistic development by providing each of the four successful participants with tools, opportunities and support to develop their careers, building resilience and self-reliance as independent creatives.
To help improve and expand music talent outside of the capital, all applicants must be based in South-West England, as Saffron Records looks to lay deeper foundations for better visibility, representation and financial benefit for Black music creators in the area.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
- A musical creative of some kind, such as a music producer, composer or instrumentalist.
- A woman, non-binary person, trans, intersex or gender non-conforming.
- Black or of Black heritage (mixed Black)
- Age 18+. (There is no maximum age limit)
- Currently living in Bristol or anywhere in South-West England
During the project, the participants will receive the following:
- An £800 development fee – funding for creation, recording, and production costs
- Guidance towards self-releasing your own track
- 1-2-1 mentoring sessions with industry professionals
- 5-day residential artist’s retreat
- Monthly peer support sessions
- 1-year Saffron Members subscription
- Showcase event opportunity
- Opportunity to upskill at an IRL Saffron course in Bristol
Last year’s project was supported by popular artists such as Zakia, Grove, Pops Roberts, Tayylor Made, Rebekah Ubuntu. The company is keen to use their platform to uplift the conversations around race within the city of Bristol and to use their resources to support Black artists, by offering an opportunity for creative reflection and to have their voices amplified.
“This project is really important to me, not just as a mixed-race woman in the South West, but thinking about it in relation to the wider music tech industry, as this project allows a space for us to breathe, to be creative and to be heard.” – Laura Lewis-Paul, Saffron Founder & Creative Director
Saffron is part of the PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Partner Network and has been provided with funding to make this project happen. They have also received additional financial support from viagogo which has allowed them to grow the project in 2023.
For further information and to apply head here: https://saffronmusic.co.uk/stories/emerging-artist-development-project/
