The SUBURBAN MUSIC CIRCLE (“SMC”) is probably one of India’s oldest music organisations serving the cause of preservation, promotion and propagation of Indian Classical Music. Established in the year 1937, for over eight decades the organisation has been serving this art form by extending a platform to musicians practising this art. As much is done, much has to be achieved. With the sympathy and munificence of lovers of art, the Circle re-dedicates itself each year to continue to serve the purpose of art and music and to strengthen the cultural foundation of this great city of Mumbai.

The COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing lockdown and social distancing have severely impacted artists, instrument makers and teachers of music across the country. Many independent artists who earned their livelihoods through performances and regular engagements face the uncertainty of when and how they will be able to earn again. With no savings, meagre resources, and in many cases several dependents, the coming months present a bleak future for them.

The Circle is keen to raise a sum of INR 300,000 through a campaign titled “Monetary assistance to Covid-19 affected musicians and individual instrument makers in the field of Indian Classical Music”

This target sum is will provide 30 artiste families monthly assistance of INR 5,000 for 2 months to cover costs of basic rations and provisions for their families. Each family will therefore receive INR 10,000 in a staggered manner beginning Mid-June 2021.

Who is eligible?
Musician artistes practising Hindustani Classical music, Individual instrument makers and repair providers

Under exceptional circumstances, artists practising other performing art forms namely, Indian traditional dance forms (Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohinattam, Odissi, etc), Carnatic Vocal and instrumental music may be considered.

The funds will cater to artists residing within the geographic boundaries of Mumbai and nearby districts. This has been intentionally decided to ensure funds are given to known and needy musicians only.

Criteria: The artiste must only be a free-lancer and not have any sort of regular job that establishes any kind of regular income from any music organisation, company, firm

How will the artiste receive the funds?
The money will be transferred to the individual bank accounts of the selected artists. No cash payment will be made.

How does SMC propose to raise these funds and ensure transparency?
Through this campaign, SMC proposes to reach out to its members, guests and all music lovers to seek their support for contributions to this fund
The donations will be made by donors through a registered link provided by the Circle and will be credited to the Circle’s Bank Account.

Funds received will be strictly earmarked for this cause. Subsequently, the Circle will communicate to its donors on the application of funds.

SMC is a registered organisation with all statutory compliances in place. The Circle has all its financials audited by an Independent Auditor each year. The Annual report for each year is shared with the members of the music Circle and discussed in the Annual General Meeting held each year.

How will the Circle decide the list of beneficiaries?
The Circle has a rich legacy of hosting Concerts and is well acquainted with the ecosystem. The Managing Committee and other advisors will decide the list of beneficiaries

Any donor is welcome to suggest an artiste subject to the artiste satisfying the eligibility criteria and the request being approved by the Managing Committee of the Circle.