The mission of the Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) is to foster the preservation and study of sound recordings in all genres of music and speech, in all formats, and from all periods.
The ARSC Award for Independent Initiatives is designed to recognize and support individuals who are independently advancing the field of recorded sound without professional or institutional backing. With awards of up to $10,000, it aims to financially support the individuals' work, promote their projects to inspire others, and acknowledge their contributions to the preservation, management, and study of recorded sound. The grant encourages collectors, inventors, scholars, and enthusiasts engaged in self-directed, self-financed efforts that lead to innovation and expertise in recorded sound, particularly those who are working on preserving and understanding our audio heritage. The award looks for initiatives that have shown meaningful outcomes and holds the potential for future accomplishments in the field.