Transformational Support for Emerging Nashville-Based Artists & Young Black Creators Through Guaranteed Basic Income
Continuing its work for equity and representation in the music industry, the Black Music Action Coalition announces a guaranteed basic income program for 40 Black Nashville-based artists, creators and aspiring managers, providing financial assistance enabling them to survive and thrive as they build their careers. The program is scheduled to launch in early 2023.
Representation and equity is hindered not just by systems and bias, but by access to resources. It’s both a class and race issue. Civil rights leaders and activist organizations have long emphasized economic stability as an essential component of civil rights. It was the core of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign and the second point, following freedom, in the Black Panther Party’s Ten-Point Platform.
“Emerging Artists should not be held back by their economic situation or lack of resources. Black Artists are hit hardest because of where Black America sits on the socio-economic ladder. Everyone deserves the chance to pursue their dreams and the Artist community has always provided that soundtrack”
- Prophet, Co-Founder/Co-Chair, BMAC
BMAC’s program follows similar artist-centered guaranteed income programs across the country. In February, NY State announced a $125M program in partnership with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation that will provide 2,400 artists $1,000 a month for 18 months. Mellon Foundation president Elizabeth Alexander noted, “As we continue to envision and work towards our post-pandemic reality, it’s critical that we not overlook the artist workers whose labor is an essential part of our economy and whose continued work sustains us in our most joyful and our darkest hours.”
Understanding the need for full infrastructure, especially in Nashville where Black artists, creators and executives have been systematically shut out of the recording business and the live music industry, BMAC will provide additional services to through industry education and potential internships with pipelines to employment BMAC is asking companies, organizations and individuals committed to change and equity in the music industry in general and Music Row/Nashville specifically to partner with us in this transformational program.
THE BMAC ARTIST SUPPORT PROGRAM YEAR 1
○ 40 Black Nashville-based artists, creators and managers who can display financial need
○ $1000 per month direct support for 1 year
○ Access to and support from BMAC members and affiliates for mentorship, and structured educational curriculum covering key aspects of music business, including contracts, publishing, marketing, etc. for the course of the program
