2023 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Music

Overview

The Vilcek Foundation will award three Creative Promise Prizes of $50,000 each to young, immigrant musicians who demonstrate outstanding early achievement in music. Applications are open through June 10, 2022.

Immigrants from around the world bring diverse perspectives that are crucial to strengthening America’s cultural and scientific community. The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters an appreciation of the arts and sciences.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have been born outside the United States of America to non-American parents;
• Not be more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2022 (born on or after January 1, 1984). ​​ Exceptions will be made for applicants who were born on or after January 1, 1982 and experienced career interruptions due to medical, military, parental or caregiving leave;
• Have lived in the United States for at least four years (or immigrated to the United States on or before December 31, 2018);
• Be one of the following: a naturalized citizen or a permanent resident of the United States; a H-1B or O-1 visa holder with a valid visa stamp; a H-4 visa holder with a valid EAD card; a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) relief; an asylee or an asylum seeker who has applied for asylum and has a valid EAD card;
• Have at least five years of professional experience in music;
• Not be enrolled as a full-time student;
• Have released at least three singles or albums on major or independent labels;
• Have lived in the United States for a total of at least four years;
• Intend to pursue a career in the United States;
• Not be a past recipient of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in any category.

Eligible Target Countries

• In Africa, Asia & MENA:
  • Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
  • Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam
  • Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen
• In Eastern Europe & Turkey:
  • Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldavia, Turkey and Ukraine.
    NB: they do not grant funding to projects which include financial support to public sector partners in Belarus (state, regional, municipal).

Benefits

• Unrestricted cash prize of $50,000 is awarded to each prizewinner;
• Reflect on how your experience as an immigrant has shaped your success;
• Receive an invaluable endorsement from leaders in your field;
• Receive a comprehensive public relations campaign to promote you and your work.

Additional Information

For more information, please visit the official website.