Honoring Philadelphia's rich Black music history by inspiring today's creatives.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Having nurtured numerous groundbreaking musical styles and artists, and been at the forefront of some of the world’s most significant musical developments, Philadelphia’s rich Black music history will be the source of inspiration and interpretation by today’s Black creatives.
Black Music City is a program that calls upon Black creatives in the greater Philadelphia area (PA, NJ, DE) working in any creative medium to submit their project ideas honoring Philly’s Black music history and apply for a project grant. Selected artists will receive a minimum of $1,000 each to bring their projects to life. A committee of prominent Black Philadelphia professionals in the arts, media, and business will judge the final round of applicants to be awarded the more than $30,000 in grant funding available.
Black Music City is hosted by Suzann Christine and will produce videos that spotlight each grant recipient and document the journey of their project. All final work will be showcased during African American Music Appreciation Month in June 2021.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Each category is scored on a 1 to 10 scale by our selection committee
- Storytelling & Theme: the project will tell a clear, significant & relevant story that fits the theme of this program
- Creativity: the project will be originally produced in a unique, innovative style
- Personal Opinion: the selector really enjoys the concept/idea of the project submission
- Past Work/Resume: does the applicant have a background that proves they can accomplish their vision
Requirements
Applicants must be
- African American/Black
- 18 Years or older
- Residing or working in the Greater Philadelphia area: PA, NJ, DE
- Able to complete the work by May 27, 2021
- Available periodically from February through May for recorded check-ins with the BMC team
- Available to participate in the concluding event in June 2021
TIMELINE
December 14th - January 25th
Grant applications are open
Late February
Grant winners selected
March - May
Winners create their project
using grant funding
May 27th
Work completion
and submission
June
Exhibition and distribution
of final projects
December 14th - January 25th
Late February
March - May
May 27th
June
Grant applications are open
Grant winners are selected
Winners create their project using grant funding
Work completion and submission
Exhibition and distribution of final projects
APPLY BELOW
Disclaimer: Projects that do not meet the criteria will not be eligible for the project grant. Please read & review the About section & FAQ's prior to submitting.
Selection comMittee
Dyana Williams
Alex Holley
Gerald Veasley
Ashley Coleman Thomas
Chill Moody
Dame + Yaya Horne
DYANA WILLIAMS
Alex Holley
Gerald Veasley
Ashley Coleman Thomas
CHILL MOODY
Damion + Yaya Horne
PARTNERS
SPONSORS
FAQ
What kind of artistic mediums are accepted?
Our goal is to showcase the breadth and depth of Black artistry in our area. 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)
What music genres can be used in creating this work?
What responsibilities do I have to fulfill if I am selected?
You will be expected to check in periodically with the project coordinators about your progress and to participate in check-in videos that will be shown publicly on partner websites and social media channels. Your project must be completed and ready to be shared publicly by May 27, 2021. You will also be involved in the final project showcase in June 2021.
How much grant money will I receive?
Grant awards are $1000 per project but could be more (up to $3,500) based on a review of the justification provided with the application.
What can the grant money be used for?
You may use the money in any way that is needed. Grant requests in excess of $1,000 require written explanation supporting the need for additional funds.
When will the money be granted (e.g. beginning of project, end of project)?
50% of the grant money will be provided to start the project. The remaining funds will be distributed at the conclusion of the project.
I have questions specific to my project concept. Is there someone that I can speak to about them?
Please email [email protected] with any questions about this project
What is the process for selecting the projects that will receive funding and be part of the final exhibit?
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and complete the application form. All project descriptions will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria:
- Storytelling & Theme: the project will tell a clear, significant & relevant story that fits the theme of this program
- Creativity: the project will be produced in a unique, innovative style
- Personal Opinion: the selector really enjoys the concept/idea of the project submission
- Past Work/Resume: the applicant’s past work proves they can accomplish their vision
Who is eligible to apply for the project grants?
Applicants must be:
- African American/Black
- 18 Years or older
- Residing or working in the Greater Philadelphia area: PA, NJ, DE
- Able to complete the work by May 27, 2021
- Available periodically from February through May for recorded check-ins with the BMC team
- Available to participate in the concluding event in June 2021
Can I submit more than 1 application?
No – only one application per individual.
How can my business support and be involved with this project?
Black Music City sponsorships are available and include on-air opportunities on public radio stations WXPN and WRTI as well as other project assets. A portion of sponsorship dollars are used to help fund the grants.
If you are interested in sponsoring Black Music City, please contact [email protected]
Who are the project partners?
Black Music City is a collaboration between WXPN, the non-commercial radio service of the University of Pennsylvania, WRTI, the non-commercial music radio service of Temple University and REC Philly, A Place for Creators.
What does ownership of the projects created look like for the selected winners?
- for a period ending on [December 31, 2021] , an exclusive, royalty-free, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide right and license (with the right to sublicense to third persons), to reproduce in print, film, video, sound, broadcast, cable, satellite, electronic and digital media, and all other mediums now known or hereafter created, prepare derivative works from, publicly distribute, publicly display, and publicly perform (including but not limited to publicly perform via digital audio transmission), the Creative Work, for any purpose;
- beginning [January 1, 2022] , a nonexclusive, perpetual, royalty-free, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide right and license (with the right to sublicense to third persons), to reproduce in print, film, video, sound, broadcast, cable, satellite, electronic and digital media, and all other mediums now known or hereafter created, and create derivative works from, the Creative Work, for any purpose;
- beginning on the date you submit this application, a nonexclusive, perpetual, royalty-free, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide right and license (with the right to sublicense to third persons), to use your name, likeness, voice, biographic information, photograph and image, and any photograph and image of the Creative Work, to advertise, market, publicize, and otherwise promote the Black Music City competition, awards, events, winners, applicants, activities, funders, and supporters, including but not limited to WXPN, WRTI, and REC Philly.
