East Providence Songwriter Receives $25,000 MacColl Johnson Grant

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — An East Providence songwriter has won a $25,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation through the Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowship Fund, which will allow her to spend more time focusing on her creativity and development as an artist, said the organization in a news release.

Courtney Swain, a singer/songwriter who writes music in a variety of styles including indie rock, chamber pop, and contemporary classical, was chosen out of 74 applicants based on the quality of her sample, her artistic development and creative contributions to her genres, and the potential of the fellowship to advance her musical career.

“Throughout my career, I’ve often been forced to cut corners with my work because of a lack of resources," said Swain in a statement. "With the fellowship, I can take more time and creative risks across all aspects of my creative process."

“Doing more of my writing in the studio, investing in new gear to develop different workflows, rehearsing and refining my pieces with other performers, developing evocative artwork and music videos to accompany my music, and working with resourceful publicists and others in the field who can help me expand my reach; these are all things I’m really excited and grateful to have the opportunity to do this year,” she continued.

Providence residents Storm Ford and Adrienne Taylor also received fellowships this year and three finalists, Anthony Andrade of Providence, Morgan Johnston of Barrington, and Roz Grace of Providence received $2,500 stipends.

“We are providing the financial support necessary to enable these artists to put more time into their music. This is a remarkable opportunity for them to accelerate their success in advancing their craft,” said Ricky Bogert, Grant Programs Officer at the Rhode Island Foundation, in a statement.

Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowship Fund was established in 2003 and rotates among composers, writers and visual artists . The next round will provide grants to writers and the application will be available starting July 1.