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DocuSign Envelope ID: C25871 BE-4AEB-44BA-97EF-90CC85472D56 <br /> MUS16MAKER <br /> RELIEF FOUNDATION <br /> Proposal Narrative <br /> Spring 2015 Arts Program Proposal <br /> Organization: Music Maker Relief Foundation <br /> Project:210 and A Quarter. Celebrating Captain Luke and The Future of Blues <br /> Organizational Profile <br /> Music Maker Relief Foundation (MMRF) keeps our culture vital by empowering senior <br /> American musicians to share their talents with audiences around the world. The artists we <br /> serve are over 55 years old,have an annual income under$18,000 and are rooted in the <br /> musical traditions of the American South including blues,gospel,Appalachian string band, <br /> Native American,jazz and folk.We provide for basic life essentials while expanding their <br /> professional careers so that our rich heritage of folk arts can be shared with the world and <br /> preserved for future generations.We strive to increase accessibility to the arts for <br /> underserved populations and bring racially and economically diverse audiences together in <br /> celebration of cultural heritage. <br /> MMRF's program offices have been located in Orange County since 2001. In 2008, Music <br /> Maker purchased a permanent office facility on Corbin Street,on the north edge of <br /> Hillsborough's Historic District. Currently, Music Maker employs five full-time and two part <br /> time staff members and hosts six to ten college interns from area and out-of-state <br /> universities. Our governing Board of Directors is composed of music experts and business <br /> professionals and has strong representation by NC artists.All three members of the 2010 <br /> Grammy Winning Carolina Chocolate Drops currently serve on our Board of Directors. <br /> Current Programs <br /> Our Musician Sustenance Program provides for basic living needs through monthly <br /> stipends, emergency aid and social services.Artists are supported with essentials so they <br /> can live in safety and comfort while sharing their music with the world. <br /> MMRF documents artists and expands their performance horizons through the Musical <br /> Development Program. MMRF provides booking services and the logistical support that <br /> makes it possible for elderly artists,who may have never left their rural counties in North <br /> Carolina,to spread their musical message across our state, our nation and around the <br /> world. This program also brings artists together to develop their repertoires and expertise. <br /> We serve as a liaison to performing opportunities at festivals and venues across North <br /> Carolina,the US and throughout the world including New Orleans Jazz and Heritage <br /> Festival, Lincoln Center and many European festivals. <br /> To keep American roots music vital by building and educating the audience we instituted a <br /> Cultural Access Program. This program presents musical performances in North Carolina, <br /> across the US and abroad and features recipient artists often alongside nationally <br /> recognized touring acts. Outreach to the public includes live performances, our extensive <br /> website,weekly newsletters, radio servicing, and public information media campaigns.We <br /> work extensively with local schools North Carolina schools to foster appreciation and <br /> understanding of traditional music among younger generations. <br /> 1 <br />