Gibson Gives & Music Forward Foundation Partner For LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards

Gibson Gives, the nonprofit division of music instrument brand Gibson, is partnering with Music Forward Foundation to present the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards for 2024.

This new partnership allows LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards to continue to champion diverse voices from all backgrounds and communities. 10 honorees ages 18-24 will be selected based on the strength and breadth of their musical work, their artistic vision and their articulation of their career goals. Gibson Gives will donate over $43,000 to the program for 2024, including $33,000 in cash grants and $10,000 in Gibson retail for an instrument. Music Forward develops and administers the grant awards from selection to distribution, and Music Forward and the Gibson team collectively develop and execute mentorship programs. The program is designed to help nurture artists’ growth and progress, expand their social capital, and to reduce barriers, both external and internal, that may come between them and achieving their greatest artistic potential.

The 10 U.S.-based artists will each receive a $3,000 grant, $1,000 Gibson retail for an instrument, performance opportunities that include the Gibson Garage Nashville, Gibson showrooms and other venues, quarterly mentorship with established musicians as well as the Gibson and Music Forward teams.  Applications are open now until Aug. 18. Application review and selection will take place Aug. 19–Sept. 27, and the recipients will be notified on Sept. 30 before the official announcement on Oct. 2. The virtual awards show will follow later in October. For more information, click here.

Singer-songwriter and record producer Butch Walker, one of the musician mentors for 2024, says, “Hey all! I’m excited to be supporting the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award, and to celebrate the amazing talent and diversity within the community. This award not only recognizes artistic excellence, but also empowers emerging voices to inspire and create needed change.”

“Gibson Gives is proud to partner with Music Forward to support the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards,” says Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives. “We believe in the power of individual voices and strive to break down barriers, promoting a more inclusive music industry. These awards support often-marginalized artists, nurturing their growth and helping them achieve their greatest artistic potential.”

“At Music Forward, we work towards inspiring young artists and providing resources to drive their careers forward while making the industry more inclusive for all voices,” adds Nurit Siegel Smith, Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation.”The LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards is a staple of our programs, and we are excited for our partnership with Gibson Gives to continue to empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ musicians.”