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

a.e. A Pup Named Rosy brz Davis Galvin EZDOESIT Fiona Ishem frogonbough

Ivana mr.sebs Naeem Neyva Romeo Diablos slowdanger

TWEAKS Umbra Abra Viii Dorsey Visual Fighter (fka Becca Lilia) VORA

Advisory Board

Binta Niambi BrownLawyer and Music Executive, Omalily Projects
Carrie TollesFounder, TCB Public Relations
Dakota OrtizVice President for Impact & Inclusion, William Morris Endeavor

David JacobsLawyer & Partner, Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks
Jake FriedmanCofounder, Crush Works
John ChaoMedia, Formerly COO of New York Public Radio

Khalia DouzeNational Publicist, Biz3
Kosta ElchevCreative Entrepreneur, Department of Culture & Technology (COLORSxSTUDIOS, GRIMES, ENDEL)
Raihan AnwarWeb3 Entrepreneur, Friends With Benefits

Industry Professionals Who Have Contributed to Our Programs:

Aaron Clark
Adam DeGonish
Adam Farrell
Alex Goose
Ally Jane Ayers
Ashraf El Gamal
Avery McTaggart
Bailey Greenwood
Beth Pickens
Bradly Palmer
Brandon Sanchez
Dani Oliva
David Turner
Def Sound
Derek Kaneko
Donald Passman
Eli Flasher
Emmeline Salazar
Fabienne Leys
Hannah Silk Champagne
Joey DeFrancesco
Joyce Lim
Jonny Kosmo
Jumee Park
L'Rain

Liz Pelly
Matthew Gawrych
Nicolás Jaar
Sippy
Midland
Mariesa Stevens
Joseph Edward Keyes
Marina Aguerre
Melanie Sheehan
Michael Lawrence
Moses Sumney
Nosaj Thing
Nyshka Chandran
Oliver Wang
Omen XIII
Raihan Anwar
Rhonda Dang
Robbie Gong
Roman GianArthur
Shadeh Smith
Shilpa Ray
Taylor Weng/Le Sirena
Zack Nestel Patt
Zack Weinstein

Made Possible By Our Partners