The foundation has supported 155 small performance venues and listening rooms since 2020, distributing almost $3.7m (£2.92m/€3.4m) in funding.
This year’s grant totalled $710,000 and has been awarded to 24 small performance venues across the US.
The Music In Action grant provides funding for venues to programme events that build community and promote accessibility for marginalised groups. Each venue was required to apply with a specific programme idea, committing to complete their project between July 2024 and June next year.
“I’ve been inspired by the scope and breadth of projects funded by the Music In Action grant. At Live Music Society, we focus on empowering small performance venues to find creative ways of engaging with their communities and reaching new audiences. It’s heartwarming to see the energy and excitement we’ve helped spark,” said Pete Muller, who founded Live Music Society in 2020.
It is the second annual Music In Action grant to have been awarded to small venues.
Venues are located in major cities and small towns – the smallest applicants include Rebel Rebel Studio in Berea, Kentucky, and The Jalopy Center in Brooklyn, New York, which have a capacity of just 74.
Non-profits such as the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center in Sarasota, Florida have also received a grant. The centre will use the money to launch their second annual Creative Nexus series of gatherings to provide a space for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) and LGBTQIA+ musicians to connect, collaborate and receive artistic development support.