We are on a mission to change
those stats through meaningful,
long-term projects.
The creation of modern music is increasingly reliant on access to digital technologies. Artists who understand the processes of producing, mixing and engineering music are empowered to take greater creative control over their sound and overall artistic direction. Additionally, diversifying personnel in core music tech roles encourages more inclusive and creative spaces for all in the industry. This means that, far from being a niche pursuit, music technology feeds into and shapes the whole music ecosystem.
Less than
5%
OF THE MUSIC TECH INDUSTRY IS COMPRISED OF WOMEN, NON-BINARY OR TRANS PEOPLE*
Less than
1%
OF THESE ARE PEOPLE OF COLOUR
We are on a mission to change
those stats through meaningful,
long-term projects.
Education
Community
Inclusivity
Impact
Saffron launched in Bristol, UK in 2015 with a non-profit model informed by founder Laura Lewis-Paul’s lived experience working in the arts with disadvantaged communities. The intentionality and values of Saffron are rooted in Laura’s journey as a mixed heritage woman, searching for cultural spaces where she felt welcomed and included. Saffron’s unique approach harnesses the power of music technology as a creative vehicle to bring about societal shifts, leading toward a more equitable world.
1.
Strengthening underrepresented communities and sharing knowledge, allowing people to try new things, take creative risks and tell their own unique stories.
2.
Laying industry progression pathways to bring about more visibility and opportunities for individuals to thrive, becoming visible role models and change-makers themselves.
This powerful combination results in a long-term transformation in perceptions about gender roles, creating equity in the cultural sector and a more diverse, dynamic and exciting cultural offering for all. This inspires a ripple effect toward greater equity in society at large.
Thousands of people globally engage in our courses, mentoring, members club and workshops, both in-person and online. We facilitate peer-finding and knowledge-sharing, accessible learning resources, removing barriers, and employing relatable practitioners with lived experience.
As well as working directly with grassroots communities, we partner with the established music industry, connecting our emerging talent pipeline to provide more inclusive routes into professional roles.
Saffron is a leading music tech and cultural development platform for underrepresented creatives worldwide. Take a look at our 2023 Impact Report to see what we’ve been up to recently.
Our track record of nurturing diverse music communities with industry partners is galvanised by our team’s unique skills, lived experience, and long-term vision. We are evidencing a blueprint for the music industry – a new way of working that is community-centric, intersectional and inclusive.
Renowned artists, broadcasters and sound engineers host workshops, mentoring and courses for our community, including the likes of Jamz Supernova, KeiyaA, Hannah Peel, Marta Salogni, Octo Octa, Manami, TAAHLIAH, Saoirse, Sherelle, Manuka Honey, Heba Kadry, Jlin, Afrodeutsche, Nabihah Iqbal, Leslie Gaston-Bird, Shanti Celeste, Gina Jeanz.
Our sector-leading work has brought commissions from Universal Music, the British Council, Ableton and Pioneer DJ, and been recognised by the BBC, Music Week, the Guardian, Resident Advisor, Mixmag and more.
“Saffron has opened up a whole new area of sound for me to exist in”
As a non-profit organisation, our mission is to advance gender equality in the music tech industry by creating safer spaces for underrepresented people to learn, create and grow through forward-thinking music creation, DJing and industry experience.
Saffron – and our sister organisation Mix Nights – have been doing this work consistently since 2015 – but we can’t do it alone. Cuts to funding and the continued impact of the cost-of-living crisis mean that now more than ever, we need your support to continue. Having the financial means to give on a one-off or recurring basis will have a measurable impact on our work.
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