Bristol music non-profit and record label Saffron is fundraising for its survival
The organisation has been fighting gender inequality in the music industry for seven years
Saffron, a non-profit organisation based in Bristol with a mission to tackle gender inequality and disparity in the music industry, has launched a fundraiser to secure its future.
On Wednesday, Saffron turned to its community to ask for donations in order for the organisation to continue. “We’ve found ourselves in a precarious position and urgently need your help,” they explained.
Founded in 2016 as a “mixed Black Caribbean-led organisation”, Saffron addresses the need for more female, non-binary, POC, and ethnically diverse people in music tech along with its sister program Mix Nights.
Read this next: Saffron Records team up with Noods Radio to launch a beginners course in radio production and broadcasting
“[We’ve] been working consistently to advance gender equality in the music tech sector by creating safer space for marginalised people to learn, create, and grow through forward-thinking technological music creation, DJ and music industry experience.”
Saffron added that in recent months, a number of “crucial and expected arts grants and income sources” did not materialise, leaving the organisation in a “tight spot”.
“We're now turning to our community to help get us through the next few months while we carry out our long-term plans to make Saffron more sustainable,” they explained.
Read this next: Saffron launches first zine and music tech kit for Black artists
The organisation also pointed to Glastonbury, where last week, an entirely white male headliner line-up was revealed. “There is an industry talent “pipeline problem”,” Saffron added.
“Less than 5% of the music tech industry is women, non-binary, or trans people. Less than 1% of these are Black, Asian, or ethnically diverse. This is a problem Saffron has been actively aiming to address from all angles. If you want to do something real to support the cause this International Women's Day, please read, share and donate.”
Donate to Saffron’s fundraiser here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter