What We Believe

Our Mission

The Rising Artist Foundation elevates a broad spectrum of voices in American music. We foster creative and professional growth in the early stages of a musician’s career to nurture uncompromising artistic expression.

Our Vision

We envision an America in which the music industry is demystified, diversified and accessible for talented people both on stage and behind the scenes. We foresee a system where new musicians are healthy, educated and financially stable — with agency over their craft and careers.

Founders

Ben RafsonExecutive Director Specialized in artist management and development since 2010, Ben has secured over $1M in grants, run multiple record labels and driven award-winning creative partnerships.

Nereya OtienoManaging Director Nereya has spearheaded narrative branding, communications and creative strategy in arts nonprofits across the US and Europe since 2009.

Executive Board + Artist Trustees

Jane Thornton JonesPhilanthropist, The Flora L. Thornton Foundation

Adam FarrellCreative Partner, Loma Vista Recordings

Moses SumneyArtist

Taja Cheek/L’RainArtist

Past Grantees

brz mr.sebs Neyva

Romeo Diablos TWEAKS Umbra Abra

Visual Fighter (fka Becca Lilia) VORA

Advisory Board

Binta Niambi BrownLawyer and Music Executive, Omalily Projects
Jake FriedmanCofounder, Crush Works
Dakota OrtizVice President for Impact & Inclusion, William Morris Endeavor

Raihan AnwarWeb3 Entrepreneur, Friends With Benefits
Khalia DouzeNational Publicist, Biz3
Carrie TollesFounder, TCB Public Relations

Kosta ElchevCreative Entrepreneur, Department of Culture & Technology (COLORSxSTUDIOS, GRIMES, ENDEL)
David JacobsLawyer & Partner, Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks
John ChaoMedia, Formerly COO of New York Public Radio

Industry Professionals Who Have Contributed to Our Programs:

Nicolás Jaar
Donald Passman
Dani Oliva
Nosaj Thing
Brandon Sanchez
Derek Kaneko
Liz Pelly
David Turner
Matthew Gawrych
Ashraf El Gamal
Sippy
Alex Goose

Oliver Wang
Moses Sumney
Jumee Park
Roman GianArthur
Raihan Anwar
Rhonda Dang
Avery McTaggart
L'Rain
Adam Farrell
Shadeh Smith
Emmeline Salazar

Made Possible By Our Partners