Artist Development Programme for Women in Music Supported By
Meet Social Butterfly’s New 12-Week Programme
What if the next step in your music career isn't another opportunity to perform, but having the right space, skills and people around you to actually develop?
For many emerging women artists, getting started in the music industry isn't simply about talent.
It's about access.
Access to safe creative spaces.
Access to music industry knowledge.
Access to studios, networks and professional opportunities.
And, importantly, access to people who understand the barriers women can face in a male-dominated industry.
That's why Social Butterfly International is launching a new 12-week Artist Development Programme for women in Greater Manchester.
Why we started Social Butterfly
Social Butterfly was born from our founder’s own experiences navigating the music industry as a woman and artist.
At one performance night, Lydia noticed a striking imbalance: approximately 10 men for every woman in the room.
Conversations with the women who were there revealed something deeper. Some described feeling intimidated entering the industry, experiencing inappropriate behaviour from producers or becoming dependent on male producers to develop their music.
These weren't isolated experiences.
They highlighted a wider problem around visibility, safety, education, access and professional opportunities for women in music.
Research referenced in our social venture application also highlighted the scale of the problem, including findings from the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee's Misogyny in Music inquiry.
Social Butterfly exists to help change that.
We've already supported 228 women directly through our programmes and events, with 40 women participating in performances or sharing their work.
And our community told us what they need next.
75% of applicants reported that their biggest concern was learning how to produce & 66% of respondents in our focus group said they wanted to up-skill and earn from their music.
So we're building opportunities around those needs.
A 12-week music development programme designed for emerging women artists
Our new programme will support five emerging women artists through 12 weeks of creative and professional development.
Participants will develop their:
🎵 Songwriting skills
🎙️ Vocal production skills
🤝 Creative collaboration skills
💡 Confidence and industry knowledge
🌱 Professional networks
The programme will include weekly workshops from September, opportunities to hear from industry professionals and a supportive environment where participants can create alongside other women in music.
This isn't about telling artists what their career should look like.
It's about giving emerging artists the skills, confidence, connections and creative space to develop their own direction.
From the studio to the stage
One of the most exciting parts of the programme is that the journey doesn't end when the workshops finish.
Participants will have the opportunity to perform the music they create at She Sounds, Social Butterfly's annual International Women's Day showcase.
She Sounds is designed to give emerging women artists greater visibility, performance experience, industry connections and professional content.
Applications close 31 August 2026
We will also prioritise applicants facing additional barriers, including people from low-income backgrounds or with learning difficulties, reflecting Social Butterfly's commitment to accessible and inclusive creative opportunities.
The programme starts 12 September 2026.
If you've been waiting for the right opportunity to develop your music, this could be your next step.
Or share this opportunity with a woman in music who needs to see it.