As part of the House of Blues and Live Nation Entertainment family, the Music Forward Foundation inspires ambition and creates momentum to redefine what’s possible for the young people in the live music industry. Focusing on young people in underserved communities, Music Forward sets the stage for success by providing workshops and showcases to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders, innovators, and artists.

With sponsorship from Citi, Music Forward is hosting its second annual LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award competition. The Award will provide 15 outstanding emerging LGBTQ+ music artists with $10,000 each to help support their creative journeys. The application deadline is June 30.

Eligible emerging artists must:

• Self-identify as LGBTQ+
• Be 18+
• Be in the early stages of their creative development, with 2-10 years of creating and performing
• Have a focused creative direction and goals, with evidence of developing their artistic “voice”
• Have yet to be substantially supported within the music industry, the media, or the public at large
• Are creating and performing original music that can be shared and viewed as part of the request for support. Body of work can be within a broad range of genres/styles
• Clearly articulate how the award will be used to support their artistic vision and goals

Music Forward will be evaluating applications on the following:

• Breadth of body of work
• Strength of body of work
• Artistic vision
• Articulation of award goals
• Brand alignment (Artist brand should not impact negatively on the company and the reputation of its brand.)

For more information about the LGBQT+ Emerging Artist Award and a list of the inaugural 2021 winners, visit here.