The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have partnered to establish the 2024 BMAC Music Maker Guaranteed Income & Mentorship Program. As noted in the press release announcing the news, the program will focus on promoting “economic empowerment and access for emerging Black and female music artists and industry professionals.”
Applicants for the BMAC Music Maker Guaranteed Income & Mentorship Program must be between 18-30 years old, provide proof of financial need and reside in the U.S.
Applications will be available today, Nov. 2, through Nov. 20. Selected applicants will then receive a year of financial support and mentorship from BMAC and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame beginning February 2024, Black History Month. Additionally, during Grammy Week 2024, the two organizations will produce an industrywide summit in association with Billboard, iHeartMedia and the Music Artist Coalition (MAC). Among the discussion topics: diversity, inclusion and the significant contributions that female and Black artists have made to music.
“The immeasurable contributions made by Black artists and executives have led to the growth and expansion of our music industry and impacted bottom lines globally,” stated BMAC co-founder/chairman Willie “Prophet” Stiggers in the announcement release. “However, those contributions have often been overlooked, appropriated and misrepresented. BMAC applauds the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for partnering with us to launch a program that will directly address the longstanding inequities in the music industry. We’re leveling the playing field and investing in the next generation of Black and female creatives and future executives, ensuring they have the access, resources and the network to continue to make those contributions and impact.”
Added Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chairman John Sykes, “Rock & roll was born from the collision of R&B, gospel and country. Black and female artists and executives have played a vital role in creating the diverse sounds, styles and spirit honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame from its creation in 1986 through today. We’re proud to partner with the Black Music Action Coalition on this important initiative.”
Financial support provided under the program will include basic needs such as rent, utilities and food plus career advancement costs like studio time, travel for shows, marketing and legal services. Mentoring of the selected applicants will encompass development and visibility opportunities within BMAC and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s networks.
“At BMAC, part of our mission is to support and cultivate talent,” said BMAC co-founder Caron Veazey. “And through the BMAC x Rock & Roll Hall of Fame program, we’re able to provide mentorship and a guaranteed income to artists, which will provide them with the bandwidth to create. Our aim is to help the next generation of musicians, songwriters, producers, managers, agents and other industry professionals to go after their dreams and turn them into reality. Working together with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is an exciting example of implementing tangible action to support a shared goal.”
In addressing the aforementioned industrywide summit, MAC board member Susan Genco stated, “Music Artist Coalition is proud to join forces with the Black Music Action Coalition and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to facilitate an industry conversation on race, gender, diversity and inclusion. We want to bring together industry leaders to have an open dialogue about our industry’s past, present and, most importantly, building our future.”
The launch of the BMAC Music Maker Guaranteed Income & Mentorship Program follows the organization’s move in September to open general membership to music industry professionals and advocates. For more information, visit bmacoalition.org. To apply to the 2024 BMAC Music Maker Guaranteed Income & Mentorship Program click here.