Announcing the Will Smith Emerging Artist Fund recipients
The Supporting Act Foundation and Will Smith are thrilled to introduce 20 new music-focused grantees.
Inspired by his own experiences in the music industry, Smith teamed up with The Supporting Act Foundation to create this fund as part of his 2025 European tour, supporting emerging musicians based along its route. Chosen by our carefully created, independent selection committee, these 20 talented artists will each receive €5,000 to put toward their artistic development and career progression.
"I loved teaming up with the Supporting Act Foundation to create the Will Smith Emerging Artists Fund. This summer, my first global music tour reminded me what it feels like to chase a dream and I'm excited to support other talented artists as they chase their dreams. The 20 artists chosen represent true passion - they're putting in the work and using music to make people feel something real. Big love and keep pushing — the world needs your sound."
– Will Smith
The Will Smith Emerging Artist Fund grantees are:
These artists were chosen by our four-person selection committee comprised of: multi-disciplinary artist, DJ, curator, and programmer Nico Adomako; artist manager, creative producer, and community leader Tiger Hagino Reid; music producer, DJ, creative director and researcher Cora Novoa; and A&R and industry expert Selassie Tevie.
Find out more about the selection committee here.
“It has been a truly wonderful experience to be part of the jury and select 20 artists from different disciplines within the music industry. Although it was hard work - as there was so much talent and creativity - being able to amplify creative projects that are underrepresented in music has been really rewarding.” – Cora Novoa
The grantees represent a thrilling breadth of influences and sounds, with opera singers featuring alongside experimental noise producers, folk artists, classical pianists, and soul singers. Abstract languages, music as medicine, the tapping of narcolepsy as a creative force… These are just some of the novel approaches the grantees take in their work.
Asked about being selected for the program, Lorena Pires described it as a “profound recognition” of her journey as an Afro-Brazilian immigrant in the world of opera. “As one of the few voices like mine, I carry my roots, my culture, and a pioneering spirit on every stage. This support empowers me to create opportunities and inspire future generations.”
Multidisciplinary artist, Nilgün Özer, saw the grant as deeply affirming, showing that her vision “is more than a fantasy, [that] it resonates with others… This support reinforces that power and strengthens my resolve to keep creating and pursuing my goals.”
You can learn more about each of the Will Smith Emerging Artist Fund recipients on their respective bio pages, here.
