Brighter Sound leads diversity push with Both Sides Now

UK-based music charity Brighter Sound has announced Both Sides Now, a three-year programme to “support, inspire and showcase” women in music across the north of England.

Focusing on Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle and surrounding areas, Both Sides Now will combine residencies for emerging talent, mentoring, digital resources for schools and education, industry training, apprenticeships and national and international events. Backed by Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence fund, the programme aims to “bridge the gap in access and opportunity between the north of England and London”.

The charity explains that it uses an “inclusive definition of ‘women’ and ‘female’”, inclusive of cisgender (women who were born women), transgender and non-binary participants.

“There needs to be a space … that allows our up-and-coming female producers and engineers, writers and composers a place they can … explore their passions”

The campaign will launch at the Old Granada Studios in Manchester on 23 November with an event hosted by Miranda Sawyer and featuring a showcase directed by Beth Orton.

It follows the launch of Festival Republic’s new ReBalance initiative, which is pushing for greater gender diversity in the live music industry nationwide.

“There needs to be a space consciously created that allows our up-and-coming producers and engineers, writers and composers who also happen to be female a place they can unquestioningly and unapologetically explore passions that might otherwise remain someone else’s domain,” comments Orton (pictured).

Those interested in participating in should register at brightersound.com/bothsidesnow for more information and updates.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.