Eric Wilson Prize for Singers: Entrepreneurship and Career Development for Artists

Professional singers must do more than perform. They frequently manage project-based careers that require budgeting, contract negotiation, audience development, marketing, fundraising, and business planning. Yet many artists receive little formal preparation for these responsibilities.

The Eric Wilson Prize for Singers helps close this gap. The prize honors the legacy of Eric Wilson, a businessman who encouraged artists to think entrepreneurially and take an active role in shaping their careers.

The centerpiece of the program is an annual $5,000 award for a singer who demonstrates both artistic excellence and a thoughtful entrepreneurial vision. The award provides flexible support that the recipient can use to advance a defined professional project, strengthen an artistic enterprise, or pursue a career-building opportunity.

Living Opera also aims to extend the program’s benefits beyond a single recipient. With support from donors and education partners, applicants can receive access to practical entrepreneurship training in areas such as financial planning, communications, project development, audience building, and sustainable career management.

Gifts of every size help fund the annual award, entrepreneurship education, applicant evaluation, and program administration. A contribution of $5,000 can underwrite the prize for one year. Companies and educational organizations may also support the program by providing course access, professional expertise, or additional financial assistance.

Your support helps singers develop the financial resources, practical knowledge, and professional agency needed to build sustainable careers in the arts.