BridgeSong Fund

The BridgeSong Fund supports BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) women, nonbinary, trans, and genderqueer musicians based in Western Massachusetts. We will also accept applications from BIPOC women, nonbinary, trans, and genderqueer music business professionals and artists who work with musicians.

The COVID-19 pandemic rendered many musicians unemployed for almost two years. BIPOC women, nonbinary, and genderqueer independent musicians are more likely to face economic, medical, and equity barriers, and systemic oppression, all of which have devastating impacts during a public health crisis. BridgeSong grants are unrestricted, and offer independent artists financial relief for housing, medical expenses, and sustenance during this challenging time.

Live performances are irreplaceable. While many independent musicians transition to performing and teaching online, access to internet services, live-streaming equipment, and safe, stable housing is not available to all. With this fund, we  build community solidarity and focused financial support for our brilliant, innovative, thriving women, nonbinary, genderqueer BIPOC artist community in Western Massachusetts.

The Institute for the Musical Arts (www.ima.org), a non-profit school and music venue that supports women and girls in music, administers grants of $500 to Western Massachusetts independent artists in need of emergency funding.

This is a grassroots campaign, and we offer MANY THANKS to the donors who have made it possible for us to fund our first round of artists! We continue to seek grassroots donations and community partners to help us answer the needs of our community during this world health crisis. Our goal of $10,000 will allow us to fund all current applicants of the BridgeSong Fund, with additional funds to continue the grant program at the Institute for the Musical Arts into 2022. 

We envision a world that treasures the genius and innovation of BIPOC women, nonbinary, trans, and genderqueer artists. We hope you will join us!