New initiative, launching January 2027, will provide eligible bluegrass artists with access to trusted, confidential care and offer wellness programming for the broader bluegrass industry.
Nashville, TN. (November 3, 2026) — The IBMA Foundation and Porter’s Call announced the IBMA Foundation Artist Care Program, powered by Porter’s Call, a new initiative designed to support the mental and emotional well-being of touring bluegrass artists and strengthen the community that surrounds them. The IBMA Foundation made the announcement during IBMA’s World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Launching in January 2027, the program will connect eligible bluegrass artists and their partners with Porter’s Call’s confidential care, tailored to the unique demands of life in music and on the road, at no charge to the artist. The initiative will also offer an in-person wellness workshop open to the broader bluegrass industry, including tour managers, crew members, artist managers, record labels, and other music professionals.
As the founding member of the Porter’s Call Artist Care Program, the IBMA Foundation is helping establish a model of industry-supported artist care that can serve the music community for years to come. The collaboration was made possible through generous funding from the Schuster Charitable Fund.
“I can’t imagine a world without music. Artists pour so much of themselves into their music, and they deserve a safe place to turn when the road grows weary,” said Beth Barcus, Co-Executive Director of Porter’s Call. “We’re grateful to the IBMA Foundation, and the Schuster Charitable Fund, for recognizing the importance of caring for the hearts and souls behind the music. We look forward to building more relationships within the bluegrass community and creating space for artists to be cared for as whole humans.”
Through this collaboration, eligible bluegrass artists can connect with Porter’s Call for confidential, individualized care, at no charge, as they navigate the personal, relational, and emotional challenges that can accompany a career in music. In addition to one-on-one care, the program will provide opportunities for the broader community to engage with wellness education and programming.
“The IBMA Foundation is dedicated to the future of bluegrass music, and we are proud to launch this initiative to help build a resilient creative community. Artists’ well-being is foundational, and we are committed to prioritizing mental health as they elevate their craft,” said Cassie Lynn Wright, Executive Director, IBMA Foundation.
The program reflects a shared commitment to supporting the people who make bluegrass music possible, both onstage and behind the scenes. By combining the IBMA Foundation’s connection to the bluegrass community with Porter’s Call’s established model of confidential artist care, the initiative aims to make meaningful resources more accessible to those who need them.
The Schuster Charitable Fund provided the generous funding that brought the collaboration to life.
“Supporting the overall health and well-being of our bluegrass family of artists is incredibly important to me, and I’m honored to help bring this meaningful initiative to life.” said Mark Schuster of the Schuster Charitable Fund.
The IBMA Foundation Artist Care Program, powered by Porter’s Call, will begin serving eligible bluegrass artists in January 2027. Additional information about eligibility and program access will be shared in the coming months.
About Porter’s Call
Porter’s Call is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that offers confidential care to touring recording artists and their partners, at no charge to them. For more than 25 years, Porter’s Call has helped care for artists anywhere in the world by providing one-on-one support, couples and band sessions, retreats and workshops – all tailored to the unique challenges of life on the road in the spotlight. Visit porterscall.com to find out more.
About the IBMA Foundation
The IBMA Foundation’s mission is to build a brighter future for bluegrass music and help donors create a legacy by supporting programs and projects that focus on bluegrass music-related arts and culture, education, literary work, and historic preservation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity foundation chartered in Tennessee with satellite operations in Chicago, Illinois and Burlington, North Carolina. Learn more at bluegrassfoundation.org.
For Media Contact,
Cassie Lynn Wright, Executive Director of IBMA Foundation, cassie@bluegrassfoundation.org 773.383.2964
Beth Barcus, Porter & Co-Executive Director, Porter’s Call, opendoor@porterscall.com
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