Be more Benjy Grinberg. It’s a motto we can all literally live by. You have heard of Wiz Khalifa. You know who the late Mac Miller is. You wouldn’t have heard of either of those names if it wasn’t for the vision of drive of the label that supported them through their breakthrough period: Rostrum Records. Coming out of Pittsburgh, somewhere not exactly known for its urban music output, it would be an uphill battle to get established talent from the local area established – but it happened and it’s a repeatable process (with the right people on your side).
In more recent times Benjy has used his influence, knowledge and experience to share how other creatives are able to get a helping hand to get towards their goals – starting by initially getting the necessary support to hone their talent and push forward to make a career out of their skills.
Benjy recognises and wishes to rectify the disparity between the opportunities, assistance and support available depending on your sex. As a result, he has put forth a number of recommendations to get more women to flourish as creative, including:
1. Benjy Grinberg Scholarship
Starting with his own scholarship, Benjy offers between $500 and $1000 to support those wanting to get their start in the music industry. This generous offer includes the chance to qualify for future bonuses and incentives based on good grades for those studying towards music-based studies.
2. Anonymous was a Woman
With $25,000 per year offered to 8 arts students, this unique scholarship has the potential to completely change the course of a young creative’s life, offering in the financial aid to see them through their studies and prepare them for a future in the arts industry of their choice.
3. Women’s Studio Workshop Grant
A much sought after grant, this is one that helps women attempting to break into creative vocation by offering the chance to take on a number of 6-to-8-week residencies at a studio facility. What sets this apart from many others is that the educational support comes as part of a package with accommodation and everyday living expenses covered too.
4. BMI Music Foundation
As a force in the music industry for decades, it’s great that New York-based BMI Music has put into place programmes to specifically aid in the career pursuits of young women in the industry. Their foundation offers financial assistance for those that are in the early stages of their career – still in education – and need some backing in order to really give them the start that they need to thrive in such a complex industry.
5. Blance E. Coleman Trust
Specific to those in New England, this is designed to give women artists in the area the financial scholarships required to help them to get through their educational pursuits and put them in the best possible position to be successful in the career path they wish to take. For those that otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to enter into higher education, it gives them the ideal push.
