BEHIND THE SPOTLIGHTS

At DGTL, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to bring their ambitions to life in the arts and electronic music industry. But behind the scenes, gender inequality still plays a role.

We’ve seen it ourselves, opportunities in electronic music are not distributed equally. What’s missing is solid research to back this up. That’s why, together with ABN AMRO, we asked WOMEN Inc. to take a closer look.

ABN AMRO actively contributes to accelerating progress in sustainability and equal opportunities, taking its social responsibility seriously. Together, we aim to drive meaningful change in the electronic music industry by identifying and addressing the barriers female artists and backstage professionals face.

The research confirms what many women in lighting, sound, film, visuals, and beyond already experience: the path isn’t always straightforward. A lack of mentorship, an exclusive industry culture, and being one of the few women in the room can make it harder to get a foot in the door. The numbers make that clear, fewer than one in ten backstage roles are filled by women. Beyond their lower visibility, many face added challenges based on gender, age, or background.

This research highlights these obstacles and offers concrete ways for festivals and industry players to create a more inclusive environment. By bringing these insights forward, we hope to contribute to meaningful change. Read the full report below.