PRS Foundation has called for the music industry to support its flagship gender equity initiative, Women Make Music, following an independent evaluation of initiative’s impact since its launch in 2011.
The evaluation report outlines the impact the ground-breaking initiative has had for women and gender expansive music creators, as well as its changemaking effect for the wider music industry.
Women Make Music supports the development of outstanding women and gender expansive songwriters, composers, artists, bands and performers who are writing their own music in any genre and from any backgrounds at any stage of their career, with grants of up to £5,000.
The fund was set up over a decade ago as a response to the low representation of women amongst songwriters and composers, and a lack of applications to PRS Foundation for commissions featuring women music creators, which was then 16 percent. Other aims include breaking down assumptions and stereotypes within the music industry by enabling role models, increasing the profile of underrepresented music creators and raising awareness of the music industry’s gender gap.
Over the years, the fund has invested over £1.46 million in more than 380 music creators. It has seen a 340% increase in demand for Women Make Music support since its launch.This week’s report reveals that the fund’s impact is still significant, with 94% of respondents agreeing the fund impacted creative development, and 94% also stating that Women Make Music instilled a sense of confidence and empowerment.
98% of grantees agree that the fund is still needed and 50% were motivated to apply because of the targeted nature of the fund.
Women Make Music has had a major impact on PRS Foundation’s approach to funding and talent development, with the organisation reaching its 50%+ gender representation target four years ahead of schedule in 2018. In 2022, 63% of creator grantees were women, gender expansive or in mixed gender groups.
Many Women Make Music grantees have gone on to win awards and industry recognition. Out of 382 grantees, nominations and awards include 15 British Composer Awards, 9 Jazz FM Awards, 5 Mercury Prize Album of the Year nominations, 5 Paul Hamlyn Foundation Awards, 2 Royal Philharmonic Society Award, an Ivor Novello Composer Award, a Welsh Music Prize and Scottish Album of the Year Award and a Scotsman ‘Fringe First’ Award. One piece funded by Women Make Music has also been added to the music curriculum.
Although some progress has been made on gender equality in the industry, the Women Make Music evaluation report underscores the need for the wider music industry support. The report has eight recommendations for the fund going forward.
Joe Frankland, CEO, PRS Foundation says, 'Women Make Music’s role in developing hundreds of women and gender expansive creators while shaping a stronger music sector for all genders has been remarkable. The fund quickly became a stamp of approval and is one of our most competitive programmes statistically and musically. We’re proud to look back at the exceptional music being created and successful careers being forged as a result. The huge impact of the fund also demonstrates PRS for Music’s dedication to gender equity and intersectional inclusion through its annual donation to PRS Foundation. Results would not have been possible without this huge investment.'
'Having said that, the report makes it clear that in order to fund more of the exceptional creators applying for support, and to meet the holistic support needs of grantees, PRS Foundation requires increased investment from like-minded music companies. We look forward to working together to build on successes and evolve Women Make Music for the future.'
Andrea Czapary Martin CEO, PRS for Music says, 'Today’s report highlights how instrumental the Women Make Music fund has been over the past 12 years in empowering passionate women and gender expansive writers and composers. Our continued investment ensures creative excellence is always first and foremost and offers support to enable the career development of PRS’s talented members, as we strive to change the face of equity, diversity and intersectional inclusion within our industry and for future generations of musicians.'
The full report is available here.
