IMPACTFUL MUSIC MENTORSHIP PROGRAM SUPPORTS THE GROWTH OF YOUNG TALENT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
The Music Forward Foundation—a national nonprofit in the Live Nation family, creates opportunities for young talent in the music industry by mentoring entertainment careers for the next generation–is proud to partner with Gibson Gives, the non-profit division of the legendary music brand Gibson, to support the unique and impactful annual grant program, the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards. The goal of the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards is to help break down the barriers of access in the music industry, allowing artists to have thriving and successful careers and to promote a more inclusive music industry overall.
The Music Forward Foundation and Gibson Gives are thrilled to announce the ten LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award recipients for 2024. Each recipient will receive:
- $3000 Grant
- $1000 Gibson retail for an instrument.
- Performance Opportunities that include the Gibson Garage Nashville, as well as other venues.
- A career mentoring session with singer-songwriter and record producer Butch Walker.
- Quarterly Mentorship with the Gibson and Music Forward teams.
Acclaimed artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Trombone Shorty, and Andrae Alexander are past Music Forward program participants and grant recipients. While performers such as Kahlid, Sophia Carson, Lauren Daigle, Martina McBride, Carlos Santana, and Julia Michaels have served as ambassador/mentors for Music Forward: https://musicforwardfoundation.org/. With 45 of the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards granted, the new Music Forward and Gibson Gives partnership allows the program to continue to champion diverse voices from all backgrounds and communities, from Atlanta to Austin, and New York City to North Hollywood.
Music Forward and Gibson Gives believe in music as a catalyst for discovery, connection, and transformation, and the power of amplifying artists and providing a forum for their diverse voices to be heard. Gibson Gives will donate over $43,000 to the program for 2024, including $33,000 in cash grants ($30k grants/$3k admin fees), and $10,000 in Gibson retail for an instrument. Music Forward develops and administers the grant awards from selection to distribution, and Music Forward and the Gibson team collectively develop and execute mentorship programs. The Quarterly Mentorship Opportunities range from songwriting sessions with Gibson artists to exploring a variety of trending topics and skills, including Gibson and Live Nation Leadership professionals sharing knowledge and insight on what it takes to find success in the business, learning from experts who have turned their passions into professions in the ever-changing entertainment industry, from bands to boardrooms and everything in between. The program is designed to help nurture artists’ growth and progress, expand their social capital, and to reduce barriers, both external and internal, that may come between them and achieving their greatest artistic potential.
“Gibson Gives is proud to partner with Music Forward to support the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award,” says Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We believe in the power of individual voices and strive to break down barriers, promoting a more inclusive music industry. These awards support often-marginalized artists, nurturing their growth and helping them achieve their greatest artistic potential.”
“At Music Forward, we work towards inspiring young artists and providing resources to drive their careers forward while making the industry more inclusive for all voices,” adds Nurit Siegel Smith, Executive Director of the Music Forward Foundation. “The LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award is a staple of our programs, and we are excited for our partnership with Gibson Gives to continue to empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ musicians.”
Watch/share the live premiere of the video featuring the Music Forward x Gibson Gives: LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award recipients HERE on Friday November 1st at 12pm PST, 3pm EST.