PHILADELPHIA, PA — Black Music City, a project dedicated to celebrating Philadelphia’s rich Black music heritage, has announced that it is offering $125,000 in grants to Philly-area Black creatives. The initiative encourages local Black artists working across all mediums to apply for individual artistic grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 each. The application window opened on November 15 and will run until January 31, 2024.
The grant program, which also welcomes applications from past Black Music City grantees seeking to expand on previous projects, promises to boost the local arts scene significantly. A Selection Committee comprising prominent Black Philadelphian professionals in the arts, media, and business sectors will review the applications and select 30 recipients. The announcement of the 2024 Black Music City grant winners is set for March.
Beyond the financial support, grant recipients will also receive informational and support sessions to aid with the completion of their new works. Furthermore, the creators and their projects will be showcased in videos, celebrated online, and highlighted during special events throughout June, recognized as Black Music Appreciation Month.
Established in 2020, Black Music City has consistently increased its available grant funds year on year, awarding a total of $263,000 to 99 recipients in its first three years. The William Penn Foundation provides lead support for Black Music City 2024 through a two-year Creative Communities grant.
The project’s three founding partners — Philadelphia public radio music stations WXPN-FM and WRTI-FM, and REC Philly, a hub for creators — administer the project and champion the grant recipients and their new work within the broader Philadelphia arts community and beyond.
“As we move forward, our goal for the Black Music City partners is not only to continue increasing the available funds but also to enhance opportunities for promotion and exposure of the selected artists and their work,” said WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay.
Full details about the available grants, eligibility, and submission process can be found at BlackMusicCity.com. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for Philadelphia’s Black creatives to gain financial support, mentorship, and exposure as they continue to shape and enrich the city’s vibrant arts scene.
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