Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The moniker "starving artist" is a reality for some creatives in Massachusetts. According to the 2024 Cultural Asset Inventory report from the Mass Cultural Council, the average individual median income for musicians and singers is $28,000. The cost of living in the Bay State exceeds $50,000.
With in-person attendance at events still 29% lower than pre-pandemic levels and ticket sales lower than 2019, the prospect of making a decent wage as an artist seems bleak. Between instruments and studio time, the incurred costs for performers can be financially debilitating. Venues like Music Hall are stepping in to ease the strain on wallets with the Emerging Artist Grant Program.
The legendary entertainment destination will award two $5,000 grand prize grants and three $2,500 runner-up grants to musicians actively performing contemporary music.
"We're hoping that this money can help make ends meet in terms of paying off the recording studio bill or being able to hire a producer, so you can bring your music to the next level," says James Paone, director of programming. "Even just take some time off the road, so you don't have to do so many gigs. And you can focus on writing that next album."
To be eligible for the grants, individuals can't be signed to a major label, booking agency or be under 18. They must be a current resident of a New England state for five or more years and receive taxable income. The deadline for the application is Tuesday, April 22.
WBZ NewsRadio's Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) reports.