Deadline: 3 February 2025
The Black Music City is currently accepting applications to fund 30 Black artists who want to celebrate Philly Black Music Heritage through a creative project.
A Black music heritage project is one that celebrates and draws inspiration from the rich legacy of Black music in Philadelphia. This can include honoring past or present artists, musical styles, venues, movements, or community traditions that have shaped Philly’s music scene. Ultimately, a qualifying project should connect creatively to Philly’s Black music history and uplift its impact in an authentic and meaningful way.
Focus Areas
- Creatives working in any medium are encouraged to submit their ideas. This may include but is not limited to:
- alternative audio (podcast, spoken word)
- cinematic art
- decorative arts (enamelwork, mosaic)
- music (as composition)
- performing arts (theatre, dance, music)
- photography
- sculpture
- textile or fabric art
- written (poetry, drama, story)
- visual or graphic arts created in physical or digital format (painting, drawing, illustration, mural)
Funding Information
- Selected artists will be awarded $1,500, $3,000 or $5,000 each to turn their vision into reality and contribute to the city’s legacy.
Eligibility Criteria
- You should apply if:
- Your project celebrates Philadelphia’s unique Black music heritage and captures the spirit of its communities.
- You are a Black artist or cultural creator currently living in Philly Metro, South Jersey, and Delaware with a strong, original vision.
- You’re looking to engage and connect with Philly’s creative community and showcase your talent through meaningful storytelling.
- Applicants must be:
- 18 Years or older
- Able to complete the work by May 31, 2023
- Available periodically from February through May for recorded check-ins with the BMC team
- Available to participate in the concluding event in June 2023
Ineligibility Criteria
- This might not be the best fit if:
- You want to create a personal project that primarily centers your work, rather than honoring Philadelphia’s Black music heritage.
- Your project does not specifically relate to or celebrate Philly’s local culture and communities.
- You cannot commit to a year-long obligation where you participate in events & meetups, including a showcase on June 19 2025.
Judging Criteria
- Each category is scored by the Selection Committee:
- Storytelling & Theme: The project should tell a clear, meaningful story that resonates with the theme of celebrating Philadelphia’s rich Black music heritage, honoring the city’s legacy and influence.
- Creativity: The project should demonstrate a unique and innovative style, showcasing the creator’s originality while capturing a fresh perspective that brings Philly’s spirit to life.
- Personal Impact: The Selection Committee values projects with concepts and ideas that connect deeply and authentically to Philadelphia’s communities and culture.
- Past Work/Experience: Does the applicant’s experience reflect their ability to bring this vision to life? They’re looking for a demonstrated background that shows they can accomplish what they’ve set out to create.
For more information, visit Black Music City.
