FACTS ABOUT MUSIC MAKER RELIEF: Music Maker steps in and makes sure artists have what they need to live in safety and comfort. Music Maker partner artists frequently must survive on less than $10,000 annually.

They may have to choose between food, housing and needed medications or face the types of unexpected expenses, such as illness or theft, that can cripple someone barely meeting their day-to-day needs. Poverty and economic insecurity are formidable obstacles to creativity, stemming the growth and health of our cultural traditions.

The Music Maker Relief Foundation assists artists directly with emergency aid and career support, while giving future generations access to their heritage through documentation and performance programs.

“We are the Music Makers!” is a documentation of Tim Duffy’s 20 year quest to preserve Southern traditional music. Portraits featured are the individuals and musicians (many of whom are disabled African Americans), Duffy has encountered along the way.