Impactful music mentorship program supports the growth of young talent in music
The Music Forward Foundation—a national nonprofit organization within the Live Nation family dedicated to transforming young lives, inspiring careers, and championing a more inclusive music industry—partnered with Gibson Gives, the philanthropic arm of the legendary Gibson guitar brand, to announce the ten recipients of the 2024 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards.
To celebrate the recipients, a live premiere video featuring the Music Forward x Gibson Gives LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award winners will debut on Friday, November 1st, at 12:00 PM PST / 3:00 PM EST. Watch the premiere here.
Designed to break down access barriers in the music industry, the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards provide young LGBTQ+ artists with resources and opportunities to thrive in their careers. With this partnership, the program continues its mission to amplify diverse voices from all backgrounds and communities across the United States, from Atlanta to Austin and New York City to North Hollywood.
“Gibson Gives is proud to partner with Music Forward to support the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award,” said Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of 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,” added Nurit Siegel Smith, Executive Director of the Music Forward Foundation. “The LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award 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.”
2024 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award Recipients
Alessio Thorpe (Crimson Moon)
Indigo Ansin (Chrysalis)
Award package for each recipient:
- $3,000 Grant: Financial support to invest in their music careers
- $1,000 Gibson Retail Credit: For the purchase of a Gibson instrument
- Performance Opportunities: Including gigs at the Gibson Garage Nashville and other notable venues
- Career Mentoring Session: One-on-one guidance from renowned singer-songwriter and record producer Butch Walker
- Quarterly Mentorship: Ongoing support from the teams at Gibson and Music Forward
Impact and legacy
With 45 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards granted to date, the program has a history of supporting artists who have gone on to achieve significant success. Past participants and grant recipients include acclaimed artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Trombone Shorty, and Andrae Alexander. Esteemed performers like Khalid, Sofia Carson, Lauren Daigle, Martina McBride, Carlos Santana, and Julia Michaels have served as ambassadors and mentors for Music Forward, further enriching the program’s impact.
Investment in the future
For 2024, Gibson Gives will contribute over $43,000 to the program, comprising $33,000 in cash grants ($30,000 for grants and $3,000 for administrative fees) and $10,000 in Gibson retail credit for instruments. Music Forward will oversee the development and administration of the grant awards from selection to distribution while both organizations collaborate on executing comprehensive mentorship programs.
Mentorship and professional development
The quarterly mentorship opportunities are designed to nurture artists’ growth, expand their professional networks, and reduce barriers that may impede their artistic potential. Sessions will range from songwriting workshops with Gibson artists to discussions on industry trends and essential skills. Professionals from Gibson and Live Nation will offer insights into building a successful career in the entertainment industry and sharing experiences.
For more information, visit Music Forward Foundation and Gibson Gives.
