About
Music
Women Are Mint is a trans-inclusive feminist festival, that aims to tackle the gender imbalance on line-ups. With a MINT line-up, curated by local musician Martha Hill, Women Are Mint is guaranteed to satisfy every musical itch you need to scratch. From powerful singer-songwriters, to dynamic MCs, to mind-blowing DJs and performers; there is nothing you might want that Women Are Mint doesn’t offer. Throw in some free yoga, workshops and talks and your weekend is made! Women Are Mint 2022 will be held from the 20th- 22nd May at Cobalt Studios, Newcastle.
Background
Women Are Mint was originally created in 2018 as a series of events in conjunction with Alphabetti Theatre, designed to give a voice and a platform to women in music. Off the back of their success, Newcastle based musician Martha Hill grew the idea into a three day music event, that not only showcases female talent, but also provides educational opportunities to aspiring female musicians in the North East.
The USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative’s fourth annual report examined the gender and race of artists, songwriters, producers, and other creators across 900 top songs in the last nine years. Across 2012 to 2020, women only comprised a total 21.6% of all artists, 12.6% of all songwriters, and 2.6% of all producers. The study found that despite renewed industry-wide vows, the situation actually worsened from 2019 to 2020. The gender ratio in the music industry is shocking. We have to be committed to making change and Women Are Mint strives for just that.
Inclusion
Women Are Mint festival aims to celebrate women in the music industry. It is not exclusionary of men, it is in fact pro-equality. Men and people of other genders are of course invited to join the fight in making the music industry a more equal place, and they are definitely invited to attend. Women Are Mint aims to be a safe space where people can express themselves and be themselves. We have a zero tolerance policy for any kind of discrimination or aggression, and are always striving to better ourselves as an event. If you have any feedback, or wish to ask any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our director Martha Hill at martha@marthahillmusic.co.uk.
Press
https://spotlightuk.co.uk/articles/2019/5/17/review-women-are-mint-festival
https://spotlightuk.co.uk/articles/2019/4/24/interview-martha-hill-on-her-women-are-mint-festival
Background to Women Make Music