Our Journey

Ellas Suenan

A participatory citizen lab that tackled sexism in music and nightlife, creating dialogue, tools, and initiatives to foster safer, more inclusive cultural spaces.

Country

Spain

Duration
February–May 2025 (first edition; networks expected to continue)
Lead partners
University of Granada’s Medialab, Miguel Ríos Foundation, Espacio Caja Sonora (CajaGranada cultural venue), and the Vice-Rectorate for Equality, Inclusion and Social Engagement, University of Granada, in collaboration with Granada City Council.
Societal areas of impact
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Process
Joint research, Intermediation, Engagement, Dissemination
Brief Description
Ellas Suenan was a participatory citizen laboratory aimed at making Granada’s music and nightlife safer, more equal, and more inclusive. It sought to challenge sexism and gender stereotypes in cultural spaces, inviting everyone – including men – to be part of the solution by creating safe spaces for dialogue and action. The project brought together women musicians, researchers, venue owners, feminist collectives, and citizens in an open, participatory format where everyone could contribute. Activities included collective sessions, workshops, podcasts, awareness campaigns, and a public results event with live music. Concrete proposals emerged, such as the “Safe Space Award” to recognise venues committed to equality and safety, and the development of practical prevention and diversity training models. The project built strong local networks, raised awareness, and created tools for positive social change in Granada’s nightlife and cultural life. “Ellas Suenan” in Spanish carries a double meaning. It can mean “They (women) sound”, emphasising women making their voices and music heard, and it can also suggest “They dream”, pointing to imagination and envisioning new futures.
Collaboration Methodology
Two main methods were used: Collective sessions: open group meetings where artists, citizens, and stakeholders discussed problems (e.g., sexism, safety) and imagined solutions. Community diagnosis and proposal workshops: smaller group work identifying concrete obstacles (e.g., lack of cooperation, generational gaps) and developing practical actions such as the “Safe Space Award” and educational campaigns. This collaborative and horizontal structure allowed all voices to be heard and co-ownership to develop across the community.
Interview
TO BE FILLED
Successes
Creation of the “Safe Space Award” to motivate real change in local venues. Active participation and strong collaboration across diverse groups Open, horizontal structure that that made everyone feel included and heard
Challenges
Ensuring venue owners engaged genuinely, not just for image. Addressed through open dialogue, monitoring with feminist collectives, and setting clear commitments for participation.
Needs Identified
Stakeholders & Participants

Artists

Mainly women musicians from Granada (pop, rock, indie, flamenco, rap, DJs, producers). They performed, co-created sessions, shared experiences of inequality, and acted as ambassadors to bring others in.

Researchers

Social sciences, education, gender studies, cultural management, and musicology from the University of Granada and Medialab UGR. They linked research knowledge to practical activities and documented outcomes.

Citizens

Local residents, students, activists, and music fans participated through open meetings, storytelling, logistics support, and the podcast.

Other Stakeholders

Venue owners, feminist and LGTBIQ+ collectives, the Miguel Ríos Foundation, and CajaGranada supported and amplified results.

Knowledge Valorisation

Main Outputs

"Participatory podcast amplifying women artists’ voices Development of the “Safe Space Award” recognising local venues that genuinely commit to creating safe and equal spaces for everyone Collective workshops and sessions with artists, citizens, and venue owners Public event with live music to present results Awareness campaigns and educational materials Strengthened networks between feminist collectives, venues, and the university"

Societal Value

Contributed to gender equality in Granada’s cultural life; improved public awareness of equality and sexism in nightlife; motivated venues to adopt safety and diversity protocols and influenced local policies on safe and inclusive spaces.

Cultural Value

Increased visibility and participation of women in music; fostered new collaborations between musicians and institutions and inspired new creative practices.

Knowledge Transfer

Results were shared via the Miguel Ríos Foundation and feminist/LGTBIQ+ collectives, some clubs initiated equality training and protocols, and the city council integrated project proposals into its “Red de Espacios Seguros” (Network of Safe Spaces).

Creative Methods

Music, podcasts, storytelling

Unexpected Impact

The project largely followed its intended goals; the main impact was the practical uptake of its proposals by venues and local authorities.

Partcipatory processes

Joint Research

Artists, researchers, and citizens collectively identified key issues in Granada’s music scene and shaped questions for exploration. Ideas came directly from lived experience, ensuring the project’s relevance.

Intermediation

The project connected musicians, researchers, citizens, collectives, and venue owners in horizontal spaces as community gatherings, breaking down barriers between experts and the public.

Engagement

Designed as a living lab, the project created participatory spaces where everyone had a voice in shaping workshops, podcasts, and proposals.

Dissemination

Findings were shared creatively through live music, storytelling, and a podcast, making the project accessible and emotionally resonant beyond academic or institutional audiences.

Explore

Further Info

Medialab UGR – article on Ellas Suenan (in Spanish)

At the Ellas Suenan citizen lab event, by Medialab UGR.