Caring for the ARTISTS Behind the Music
The IBMA Foundation believes that supporting the future of bluegrass music starts with supporting the people who make it.
Launching January 2027
The future of bluegrass depends on the ARTISTS who sustain it
The future of bluegrass music depends entirely on the well-being of the artists who sustain it. While a career in bluegrass music brings immense joy to audiences worldwide, the lifestyle—marked by relentless touring, irregular hours, financial uncertainty, and time away from loved ones—takes a real toll.
To help address the real, unique demands of a life in music, the IBMA Foundation is proud to collaborate with Porter’s Call as a founding member of their Artist Care Program, launching in January 2027.
A shared commitment
Porter’s Call and the IBMA Foundation share a commitment to supporting the artists behind bluegrass music. Through this collaboration, the IBMA Foundation will help provide eligible artists with direct access to trusted, confidential care while supporting Porter’s Call’s mission to care for touring recording artists and their partners across the music industry.
As a founding member of the Porter’s Call Artist Care Program, the IBMA Foundation will help establish a model of industry-supported artist care that can serve the music industry for years to come.
Together, the organizations intend to help build a healthier, more resilient creative community.
What the program offers
Specialized care, free for eligible bluegrass artists and their families. Porter's Call serves as the program administrator.
- 1Artist onboarding
- 2Confidential care
- 3Ongoing support
- 4Referrals
- 5Educational workshops
Who is eligible?
Individual Support (one-on-one engagement with a Porter) is directed to:
- Artists who are signed to a record label under an artist deal.
- Independent artists who perform at least 20 shows per year featuring their own original music. Cover music does not qualify.
- For bands, the artist must legally own the band rather than be a hired touring musician.
- Musicians who are paid a salary must be officially named as members of the band to be eligible.
Not an individual-support candidate? All members of the bluegrass community are welcome to participate in upcoming workshops.
Get workshop invites25 years as a trusted sanctuary
For 25 years, Porter’s Call has been a trusted sanctuary for the music community. Through this new collaboration, we are ensuring this vital, specialized care is accessible to eligible bluegrass artists and their families for free.
Porter's Call serves as the program administrator, managing artist onboarding, confidential care, ongoing support, referrals, and educational workshops.
Learn more about Porter’s Call →
Get involved & learn more
For ELIGIBLE ARTISTS seeking support
The Artist Care Program launches in January 2027. Eligible artists will be able to connect with Porter’s Call for free, confidential care.
Stay connected
Provide your email to be connected to updates on this initiative and to be invited to relevant workshops.
Support the initiative
This pilot initiative was brought to life through generous partnership and funding from the Schuster Charitable Fund. Programs like this are made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners.
Consider making a gift to help sustain and expand these mental health resources for the bluegrass community. Select ‘Artist Care Program’ to direct your donation to this initiative.
Donate to the Artist Care Program
The IBMA Foundation
1183 University Drive #105-215
Burlington, NC 27215
773-383-2964