Call for applications: Vilcek Creative Promise Prize in Music

Founded in 2000, Vilcek's vision is to spotlight immigrant contributions to the United States while fostering an appreciation of the arts and sciences.

The Creative Promise Prizes will honour music professionals who exemplify excellence and creativity, and whose work showcases the possibilities of music as a language and a means of expression. The individuals chosen will have demonstrated exceptional independence and creativity by their 38th birthday.

Aside from the cash prizes, the competition affords applicants an opportunity to reflect on how their experience as immigrants has shaped their success, as well as receive invaluable endorsement from leaders in their field and a comprehensive public relations campaign to promote their work.

Applications are open through 10 June. 

Eligibility

• Applicants must have been born outside the United States 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 between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1983 who experienced career interruptions due to caregiving, medical, military or parental leave.
• Have five years of professional experience in music and possess a strong track record of creative and innovative work
• 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 naturalised 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.
• Not be enrolled as a full-time student.
• Have released at least three singles or albums on major or independent labels.
• 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 music categories

• Composition/Songwriting
• Conducting
• DJing
• Instrumentation
• Production
• Singing/Vocal talent

Eligible music genres

• Alternative
• Classical/New Music
• Country
• Music-Electronic
• Global
• Hip Hop/Rap
• Jazz
• Opera
• Pop
• R&B
• Roots/Americana
• Rock/Metal

Interested individuals can complete the application process here.

The deadline for applications is 10 June. 

A panel of distinguished jurors, composed of members of the music community, will evaluate the applications based on their excellence, innovation, and impact. Recommendations of the jury will be submitted to the Vilcek Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval. All three winners will be considered equal in standing.

The winners of the Creative Promise Prize in Music will be notified in fall 2022. Prizewinners will be invited to attend the Vilcek Foundation’s annual awards ceremony in New York City in the spring of 2023. Travel expenses and accommodations will be covered by the foundation.

View the original call here.