Permission to Play

Our Permission to Play project seeks to improve women’s access to participatory music technology activities across Yorkshire, primarily by strengthening our existing network of YSWN-affiliated groups and supporting the founding of new ones.

We will address structural inequalities by empowering the development of grassroots feminist sound collectives in Yorkshire, centring the voices of and experiences of a diverse range of women and people of marginalised genders. Funding will unlock opportunities for group members to inspire, grow and sustain their music technology skills and creative opportunities, and support the sustainability of YSWN as an organisation during a period of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme includes:

• Mentoring, supporting and establishing grassroots regional groups to reach new participants, collaborate on developing new artistic activities and learn from experienced artists and musicians.
• Mitigating against known barriers to women’s participation (such as caring responsibilities) and the Covid-19 pandemic by rolling out online networking and music technology skill-sharing opportunities.
• Further developing YSWN’s Associate scheme to become a support system for women working in the music industry through peer skills exchanges and networking opportunities.

This is a new project: visit our News page for the latest updates.