Saffron’s EMERGING project seeks Black, trans, and non-binary artists

The year-long program offers mentoring, funding, a residential retreat, and more to four selected participants.

Photo credit: Saffron Music – Website

Saffron has unveiled its 2024/25 Artist Development Project, EMERGING. This initiative supports Black music creators who identify as women, non-binary, trans, or gender non-conforming.

The year-long program, starting this December 2024, offers a comprehensive package for four successful applicants. Participants will receive one-on-one mentoring with Ableton-certified professionals, funding for creation, recording, and production, guidance on self-releasing music, a five-day residential artist retreat at Hawkwood, a one-year Saffron membership, monthly peer support sessions, and a showcase event opportunity.

Laura Lewis-Paul, founder and creative director of Saffron, emphasizes the program’s significance: “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.”

The program has already nurtured notable talent, including producer and session bassist Marla Kether, and Bristol-based multifaceted artist Grove.

EMERGING is open to Black women, trans, and gender non-conforming music creators over 18, residing in Bristol or the South West England region. Detailed information about the application process can be found in the official application pack here.

Aspiring participants can apply through the official website here before the deadline of 10 PM on Sunday, 8th December 2024.