The “Fourth River” grant is a unique six-week program dedicated to emerging electronic musicians based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a collaborative initiative between The Rising Artist Foundation, a nonprofit entity, and Honcho, a well-known local music collective. The grant is named after Pittsburgh’s lesser-known subterranean aquifer, symbolizing the program’s commitment to nurturing local musical talent beneath the surface of the city’s more visible music scene.
This opportunity offers both financial support and creative mentorship. Ten selected musicians will receive a $1,500 stipend, health insurance coverage, and access to music production tools throughout the program. Participants will engage in twice-weekly, in-person workshops and public seminars, running from October 8 to November 15, 2025. One workshop each week will focus on creative music production and will be led by the internationally acclaimed artist Midland. The other will be a public seminar that explores the music industry, delivered in partnership with industry professionals and hosted at the historic Wood Street Galleries.
Eligibility is restricted to unsigned electronic musicians who live in Pittsburgh and are actively pursuing a musical career with a demonstrable body of work. Special priority will be given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. The program aims to form a cohort that is not only diverse and musically credible but also balanced in skill levels to ensure the best instructional outcomes for everyone involved.
Applications opened on May 14, 2025, and will close on June 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. After the application phase, 20 candidates will be invited for video interviews in late June or early July. The final 10 grantees will be announced on July 9, 2025, at noon. The selected participants will then have time to get acquainted with the necessary software tools before the program officially begins the week of October 6, 2025.
Applicants can reach out with questions or concerns to hello@rising-artist.org. This initiative not only provides financial and educational support but also fosters artistic community and industry connections for local musicians.
