Saffron has opened applications for its 2024/25 Artist Development Project, EMERGING, supporting Black music creators who are also women, non-binary, trans or gender non-conforming people.
The project, which will run for 12 months from this December, is designed specifically to support Black producers and music makers based in Saffron’s home of South West England.
Four successful applicants will be provided with tools, opportunities and support to develop their music careers, including 1-2-1 mentoring with an Ableton-certified mentor, funding fee to cover creation, recording and production costs, and guidance on self-releasing their own music.
Participants will also be invited to a five day residential artist’s retreat at Hawkwood and receive a one-year Saffron membership, as well as having access to monthly peer support sessions and the opportunity to take part in a showcase event.
The aim is to lay deeper foundations for better visibility, representation and financial benefit for Black creators, as well as uplifting conversations about race and offering Black artists a chance to have their voices amplified.
Speaking on the programme, Saffron founder and creative director Laura Lewis-Paul said, “This project is really important to me, not just as a mixed-race woman in South West England, but also in the context of the wider music industry. It creates space for us to breathe, to be creative and to be heard.”
Programme alumni include producer and session bassist Marla Kether – who released her debut EP ‘All That We Have’ via Saffron’s label arm last year – and Bristol-based DJ, producer and artist Grove.
EMERGING is open to Black women, trans and gender non-conforming music creators who are over the age of 18, and currently living in Bristol or anywhere in South West England. Find out more about eligibility via the application pack.
For more info and to apply visit saffronmusic.co.uk. Applications close at 10PM on Sunday 8th December 2024.
Last summer, Saffron launched a fundraising campaign to help it continue its vital work advancing gender equality within the music industry. You can support Saffron by heading to the group’s GoFundMe campaign.
