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Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Thanks to a generous gift, Memphis Music Initiative (MMI) has established an Emergency Relief Fund to provide some short-term, immediate relief for individual musicians and young people who are part of our extensive network of programs. We recognize that creatives and the arts have been disproportionately negatively impacted by restrictions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While this fund cannot reach everyone in need, MMI is grateful for the opportunity to provide some aid to the artists and musicians who power our creative economy and the young people who are the beneficiaries of Memphis' storied cultural heritage. The fund aims to address the immediate needs of individuals to support ongoing music engagement and creation where possible. For more information, contact grants@memphisismusic.org.

Guidelines

  • Applicants may only request one award per person.

  • Given limited funding, submission of a proposal does not guarantee receipt of a grant.

  • Incomplete applications will not be eligible for consideration.

  • Applications must be received by Friday, May 8. Please click here to visit our online application.

  • If you are not able to complete the application online, please call MMI at 901-410-4110 for application information.

  • Requests will be evaluated based on feasibility of the proposal, alignment with the mission of MMI, and the objectives of MMI programs.

  • The following grants will be awarded to eligible applicants:

Youth Grants: The Fund will grant up to $300 for the creation of new artwork pieces that respond to the COVID-19 crisis, recovery of funds lost due to cancelled bookings or loss of paid studio times, or a laptop or tablet for those who do not have one.

Individual Musician Grants: Individual musicians may request up to $1,000 to help relieve the economic burden of lost income due to cancelled events, gigs, lessons, or contracts. The Fund may also be used to cover expenses related to lost venue, vendor, or equipment deposits due to COVID-19-related cancellation of events. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the funds, recipients will be selected from eligible applications.

 

Youth Grant

 

This fund will grant up to $300 for new artwork that responds to the COVID-19 crisis, a laptop or tablet for those who do not have one, or recovery of funds lost due to cancelled bookings, events, or lost studio time.

Eligibility

  • Youth who have participated in MMI Works programming (including alumni/college students) or who have been accepted into the 2020 program are eligible to receive support through the Fund.

 

Guidelines

  • Applicants may submit proposals for supplies and materials to create new artwork that responds to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Artistic categories may include, but are not limited to:

    • Original recorded music

    • Original literary works (including songs, poetry, and short stories)

    • Visual works (including photography, 2-D & 3-D works, digital works, film and video, or choreography)

Please be prepared to describe in 250 words or less the artwork you propose, including the materials and supplies. What are you planning to create, compose, etc., and why are you inspired now?

Please note: MMI will showcase accepted work on our social media channels.

  • Applicants may submit proposals for up to $300 for the recovery of funds lost for paid studio time, venue bookings, show cancellations, or related costs.

  • Applicants may submit proposals for a laptop computer or tablet for young people who need a device to complete schoolwork or potentially work remotely with MMI Works this summer.

 

 

Individual Musician Grant

 

Individual musicians may request up to $1,000 to help relieve the economic burden of lost income due to cancelled events, gigs, lessons, or contracts. The Fund may also be used to cover expenses related to lost venue, vendor, or equipment deposits due to COVID-19-related cancellation of events. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the funds, recipients will be selected from eligible applications.

Eligibility

  • Interested applicants must live or predominantly work in Memphis/Shelby County, TN.

  • Applicants must have a demonstrated history of supporting organizations in delivering music education, engagement, or training for black or brown youth from historically underserved communities of color in Memphis, TN.

  • Current or former MMI Fellows may apply.

  • MMI Fellows, former fellows, or musicians (part-time, contractor, instructor) active with an MMI grant partner (see below) may apply.

    • AngelStreet Memphis

    • Blue Violin

    • Harmonic South Strings Orchestra

    • Hattiloo — Youth Musical Theatre

    • Iris Orchestra

    • Memphis Black Arts Alliance

    • Memphis Jazz Workshop

    • Memphis Slim House Collaboratory

    • Neighborhood Christian Center

    • Notes for Notes

    • Perfecting Gifts

    • Princeton James Productions

    • PRIZM Ensemble

    • Raising the Bar

    • Refugee Empowerment Program

    • St. Andrews AME

    • Shelectricity

    • Stax Music Academy

    • Streets Ministries

    • Visible Community Music School

    • Young Actors Guild

    • Youth Artist Development Academy

 

Guidelines

  • Individual musicians may request up to $1,000.

  • The Fund is intended to help relieve the economic burden of lost income due to cancelled events, gigs, lessons, or contracts.

  • The Fund may also be used to cover expenses related to lost venue, vendor, or equipment deposits due to COVID-19-related cancellation of events.

  • Please be prepared to disclose the total approximate amount of funds lost.

  • Applicants must be a self-employed, part-time, or contract employee whose work has been interrupted or cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Full-time employees or contracted artists whose work has not been interrupted as a result of the COVID-19 crisis are not eligible to apply.

 

MMI is distributing additional funds to our partner organizations through a separate application process.

We appreciate everything that you do to support the music ecosystem in Memphis. Notification of awards will be made by May 15. If you have additional questions, please contact grants@memphisismusic.org.