I am an event producer, folk musician (Anna Anise) and Director of CHORUS Songwriting CIC, which promotes gender equality in the music industry through retreats and workshops for women and non-binary musicians.

The purpose of my Fellowship is to research songwriting retreats in the USA (the world's largest commercial music market) to better inform the design of songwriting development experiences for emerging musicians of underrepresented genders in the UK. The research will inform the events of CHORUS Songwriting CIC and be shared among peers and songwriting professionals.

The House of Commons committee report Misogyny in Music (Jan 2024) stated that 'Women seeking careers in music continue to face unjustifiable limitations in opportunity, a lack of support, gender discrimination and sexual harassment as well as the "persistent issue of equal pay."' As a producer and musician, I have experience of the benefits of songwriting retreats for building community, strengthening peer networks and gaining collaboration skills.

Through this Fellowship I aim to considerably impact the careers of developing songwriters and enrich the diversity in our arts culture.