Money for Artists

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an unprecedented amount of work for us to heal and recover as a jazz community. We are consistently looking for more ways to grow our networks, better ourselves as musicians, and seek opportunities to succeed. As we start to emerge from the perils of the pandemic, we can find the power within us to take risks, chances, and ventures beyond our wildest dreams. 

South Arts, an artist empowerment organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, serves arts communities financially to drive potential. They offer grants, fellowships, programs, conferences, and residencies specific to artists of all kinds, including unique offers for jazz musicians. 

South Arts has launched the initiative called “Jazz Road” which has the primary mission to serve musicians to further their careers in music. Their “Jazz Roads Tours” offers grants up to $15,000 to allow musicians to play an array of venues in rural communities or places where it is more challenging to let the music speak. Eligibility and guidelines for applications can be found here, and are considered on a rolling basis. 

A second program that is available is the “Jazz Road Creative Residencies.” Jazz artists can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$40,000 to support a proposed residency, develop an artistic endeavor, or find new ways to connect with audiences. Eligibility and guidelines for applications can be found here. 

The opportunities lie ahead and we hope you take advantage of the great things that organizations like these are doing. Embark on the journey that awaits you! Deadlines are soon so make sure you take a look to see if they are a fit.

If you have questions or ideas that you’d like to talk through with Jazz Philadelphia staff, email Executive Director Heather Blakeslee.