The project, run by freelance photographer Nicci Peet, is aimed at increasing the visibility of the diverse range of women (including those who identify as transgender and genderqueer) working in beer, and who help make the industry tick.
The photo-essay is being funded via a Patreon page, with supporters able to pledge from as little as $2 (£1.45) a month to help fund Bristol-based Peet’s travel costs and accommodation while taking photos.
Photo prints and other rewards
Rewards available to supporters include access to ‘secret’ out-take shots, exclusive post cards and signed prints.
Speaking about the project, Peet said: “While progress has been made, part of the problem of sexism and inclusivity is the lack of visual representation of the diverse range of women who work in the industry.
“When talking about women working in the industry, it’s much more than just brewers. If you have a passion for beer there are so many different routes into the industry. This project will showcase a variety of roles – marketing, bar managers, bottle shop owners, farmers, finance, writers, sales reps, festival organisers – to illustrate the wide range of paths and that there is a place for everyone.”
Craft Beer Rising debate
Last month at London’s Craft Beer Rising festival, a leading panel of professionals discussed the issue of diversity within the craft beer sector.
Participants from under-represented groups urged breweries, bars and festivals to do more to combat instances of racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of abuse, and described their own experiences of discrimination while working in the industry.
Suggestions on how to improve diversity included introducing more gender-neutral toilets in bars and at festivals, and the implementation of an industry code of conduct for branding.
Earlier this week, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), announced it is making plans to create a marketing code of practice for its members to ensure responsible marketing, after several high-profile instances of sexist branding surfaced in recent months.