THE NEXT CHAPTER PROGRAM

Program Terms, Conditions, Participant Expectations, and Code of Conduct

Last Updated: May 30, 2026

Welcome to The Next Chapter Program, Weathered Pages' flagship artist development initiative. These Terms, Conditions, Participant Expectations, and Program Rules govern participation in the application process and program activities.

By submitting an application to The Next Chapter Program, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by these terms.

Program Purpose

The Next Chapter Program exists to identify, support, and develop talented artists through professional recording experiences, artist development, mentorship, storytelling opportunities, and community engagement.

The program is designed to help artists grow creatively, professionally, and personally while contributing positively to the Weathered Pages mission of empowering artists and sharing meaningful music with the world.

Acceptance into The Next Chapter Program is a privilege and an opportunity made possible through the support of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Complete all required application materials.

  • Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information.

  • Demonstrate a genuine commitment to music and artistic development.

  • Be legally authorized to participate in all program activities.

  • Agree to comply with all program rules and expectations.

Weathered Pages reserves the right to verify information submitted during the application process.

Application and Selection Process

The Next Chapter Program utilizes a multi-stage review process that may include:

Chapter 1: The First Page

Application submission and initial review.

Chapter 2: The Review

Evaluation by the Artist Programs & Impact Committee.

Chapter 3: The Conversation

Interviews and additional evaluations of selected applicants.

Chapter 4: The Turning Point

Final recommendations and artist selection.

Selection decisions are made at the sole discretion of Weathered Pages and are final.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Weathered Pages is not obligated to provide individualized feedback regarding selection decisions.

Participant Commitment

Artists selected for The Next Chapter Program agree to:

  • Participate actively in program activities.

  • Attend scheduled meetings, sessions, and events.

  • Meet established deadlines.

  • Maintain regular communication with program staff.

  • Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled activities.

  • Participate in artist development opportunities.

  • Represent themselves and the program professionally.

Selected artists are expected to fully engage in the opportunities provided through the program.

Participant Accountability

Acceptance into The Next Chapter Program is both an opportunity and a responsibility.

Selected artists agree to:

  • Respond to communications in a timely manner.

  • Maintain current contact information.

  • Notify Weathered Pages of circumstances affecting participation.

  • Complete requested forms, surveys, and program requirements.

  • Fulfill commitments made throughout the program.

Failure to maintain communication or fulfill participation expectations may result in removal from the program.

Attendance Expectations

Artists are expected to actively participate in all required program activities, which may include:

  • Orientation sessions

  • Interviews

  • Artist development activities

  • Mentorship sessions

  • Recording sessions

  • Photography sessions

  • Video production activities

  • Promotional activities

  • Performances

  • Program evaluations

  • Follow-up impact reporting

Participants are expected to arrive on time and prepared.

Repeated tardiness, absences, or missed deadlines may affect continued participation.

No-Show and Cancellation Policy

The Next Chapter Program requires the coordination of valuable resources including studio facilities, producers, engineers, mentors, volunteers, photographers, videographers, and program staff.

A no-show occurs when a participant fails to attend a scheduled activity without providing advance notice and without an approved emergency circumstance.

Weathered Pages reserves the right to:

  • Remove participants from the program.

  • Cancel future scheduled activities.

  • Reallocate program resources to another artist.

  • Restrict future eligibility for program participation.

Repeated cancellations, excessive rescheduling requests, or patterns of non-responsiveness may be treated similarly to a no-show.

Exceptions may be granted at the sole discretion of Weathered Pages for documented emergencies or extraordinary circumstances.

Withdrawal from the Program

Artists who choose to withdraw after acceptance should provide written notice as soon as possible.

Participants acknowledge that:

  • Program resources are reserved specifically for selected artists.

  • Significant planning and financial investments may already have been made.

  • Late withdrawals may prevent another deserving artist from receiving an opportunity.

Weathered Pages reserves the right to consider withdrawal history during future application reviews.

Alternate Artist Selection

Weathered Pages may maintain a list of alternate candidates.

If a selected artist declines participation, withdraws, becomes ineligible, or is removed from the program, Weathered Pages may offer the opportunity to an alternate candidate.

Selection of alternate candidates is solely at the discretion of Weathered Pages.

Professional Conduct Expectations

Weathered Pages is committed to providing a safe, respectful, supportive, and collaborative environment.

Participants are expected to:

Demonstrate Respect

Treat all artists, volunteers, staff, donors, sponsors, and community members with professionalism and courtesy.

Foster Collaboration

Support fellow artists and contribute positively to the artist community.

Maintain Integrity

Act honestly, ethically, and responsibly.

Embrace Growth

Remain open to feedback, learning opportunities, and personal development.

Represent the Program Positively

Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on Weathered Pages and The Next Chapter Program.

Code of Conduct

The following behaviors may result in disciplinary action, suspension, or removal from the program:

  • Harassment or discrimination of any kind.

  • Threatening, abusive, or disruptive behavior.

  • Bullying or intimidation.

  • Illegal activities.

  • Damage to facilities, equipment, or property.

  • Repeated failure to communicate or participate.

  • Misrepresentation of qualifications, ownership, identity, or submitted materials.

  • Violation of signed agreements.

  • Conduct that significantly harms the reputation of Weathered Pages or the program.

  • Actions that compromise participant safety or organizational integrity.

Weathered Pages reserves the right to remove a participant at any time when necessary to protect participants, staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, partners, or the organization.

Artist Representation and Public Image

Artists selected for The Next Chapter Program become representatives of both themselves and the Weathered Pages community.

Participants agree to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on:

  • Themselves

  • Fellow artists

  • Program supporters

  • Weathered Pages

Weathered Pages respects freedom of expression and individual viewpoints. However, conduct that significantly harms the safety, mission, integrity, or reputation of the organization may result in disciplinary action or removal from the program.

Social Media and Public Communications

Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and celebrate their involvement in the program.

When referencing Weathered Pages or The Next Chapter Program, participants agree to:

  • Communicate honestly and respectfully.

  • Avoid knowingly false or misleading statements.

  • Respect the privacy of fellow participants.

  • Refrain from sharing confidential information without authorization.

Weathered Pages reserves the right to address conduct that negatively impacts the organization, participants, donors, sponsors, partners, or mission.

Recording Sessions and Program Activities

Artists participating in recording experiences agree to:

  • Follow all studio policies and safety requirements.

  • Respect equipment, facilities, and personnel.

  • Arrive prepared and on time.

  • Notify staff promptly regarding scheduling conflicts.

  • Participate in scheduled activities unless excused by Weathered Pages.

Missed sessions may not be rescheduled and may impact continued participation.

Promotional Participation

As a condition of participation, artists may be invited or required to participate in:

  • Interviews

  • Photography sessions

  • Video recordings

  • Testimonials

  • Live events

  • Social media content

  • Marketing activities

  • Fundraising campaigns

  • Educational outreach

These activities help Weathered Pages expand opportunities for current and future artists.

Additional media release agreements may be required.

Recording, Photography, and Media Consent

Participants understand that program activities may be photographed, filmed, recorded, livestreamed, or otherwise documented.

By participating in the program, participants grant Weathered Pages permission to use photographs, videos, audio recordings, interviews, testimonials, and related content for:

  • Marketing

  • Fundraising

  • Public relations

  • Educational purposes

  • Program promotion

  • Website content

  • Social media

  • Community outreach

This authorization is granted without expectation of additional compensation unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Confidentiality

Participants may gain access to non-public information regarding:

  • Other applicants

  • Program operations

  • Donors and sponsors

  • Committee discussions

  • Internal processes

Participants agree not to disclose confidential information obtained through program participation without prior written authorization.

Impact Reporting and Program Evaluation

As a nonprofit organization, Weathered Pages relies on outcome reporting to secure donor support, sponsorships, and grant funding.

Participants may be required to participate in:

  • Surveys

  • Interviews

  • Testimonials

  • Program evaluations

  • Follow-up reporting

  • Impact assessments

These activities help demonstrate the effectiveness of the program and support future artist opportunities.

Program Completion Expectations

To be recognized as a successful graduate of The Next Chapter Program, artists should:

  • Complete required program activities.

  • Participate in scheduled recording and development opportunities.

  • Meet program expectations and deadlines.

  • Remain in good standing throughout participation.

Weathered Pages reserves the right to determine successful program completion.

Future Eligibility

Participation history may be considered when evaluating future opportunities.

Factors that may influence future eligibility include:

  • Attendance history

  • Participation level

  • Professional conduct

  • Program completion

  • Community engagement

  • Compliance with program policies

Artists who successfully complete the program and remain active contributors to the Weathered Pages community may receive consideration for future opportunities.

Stewardship of Donor and Sponsor Investments

The Next Chapter Program is funded through charitable contributions and organizational resources.

Participants acknowledge that:

  • Program resources are limited.

  • Acceptance into the program represents a significant investment made on their behalf.

  • Weathered Pages must steward donor and sponsor resources responsibly.

  • Participation is a privilege, not an entitlement.

Artists are expected to honor this investment through professionalism, commitment, and active engagement.

Medical Responsibility

Participants are responsible for their own medical care, transportation, insurance coverage, and personal well-being during participation in program activities.

Weathered Pages does not provide health insurance, accident insurance, or medical services.

Participants assume responsibility for any medical expenses incurred during participation.

Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability

Participation in The Next Chapter Program may involve travel, attendance at recording studios, events, performances, filming activities, and other related experiences.

Participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, participants agree to release and hold harmless Weathered Pages, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, and partners from claims, damages, liabilities, losses, or expenses arising from participation in program activities, except where prohibited by law.

Overnight Accommodations

Certain program activities may require overnight accommodations. Weathered Pages will make reasonable efforts to provide safe and appropriate lodging arrangements; however, participants acknowledge that accommodations may involve shared residences, shared common areas, and shared lodging facilities with other participants.

Additional lodging expectations, accommodations policies, and participant conduct requirements will be communicated to selected participants before attendance at any overnight program activity.

Participant Safety and Shared Living Acknowledgment

Participants understand that Weathered Pages is not operating a hotel, dormitory, or licensed residential facility. Lodging arrangements are provided solely to facilitate participation in program activities. Participants agree to exercise personal responsibility, respect the privacy and boundaries of others, and promptly report any safety concerns to program staff.

Program Funding

Participation in The Next Chapter Program is made possible through charitable contributions, sponsorships, grants, and organizational resources.

Weathered Pages retains sole discretion regarding the allocation of resources, opportunities, services, and program investments.

Acceptance into the program does not create a right to future funding, services, opportunities, or financial support.

No Employment Relationship

Participation in The Next Chapter Program does not create an employment relationship, partnership, joint venture, agency relationship, or contractual entitlement to compensation.

Participants are not employees, contractors, agents, or representatives of Weathered Pages solely by virtue of participating in the program.

Events Beyond Our Control

Weathered Pages shall not be responsible for delays, interruptions, cancellations, or modifications resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including:

  • Natural disasters

  • Severe weather

  • Public health emergencies

  • Facility closures

  • Government actions

  • Labor disputes

  • Equipment failures

  • Other unforeseen circumstances

Program activities may be modified, postponed, or canceled without liability.

Program Changes

Weathered Pages reserves the right to:

  • Modify program offerings.

  • Change timelines and schedules.

  • Adjust selection criteria.

  • Modify program requirements.

  • Postpone, suspend, or cancel activities.

  • Limit participation based on available resources.

Such changes may occur without prior notice.

Removal from the Program

Weathered Pages may suspend or remove a participant for:

  • Violation of these Terms and Conditions.

  • Failure to meet participation requirements.

  • Conduct inconsistent with the mission or values of Weathered Pages.

  • Misrepresentation during the application process.

  • Actions that jeopardize the safety, integrity, or reputation of the organization.

Removal decisions are final.

Limitation of Guarantee

Acceptance into The Next Chapter Program does not guarantee:

  • Commercial success.

  • Music distribution outcomes.

  • Industry representation.

  • Recording contracts.

  • Revenue generation.

  • Future opportunities.

  • Career advancement.

Individual outcomes vary and depend on factors beyond the control of Weathered Pages.

Acceptance

By submitting an application to The Next Chapter Program, applicants acknowledge that they:

✓ Have read and understood these Terms and Conditions.

✓ Agree to comply with all program policies and expectations.

✓ Understand that selection and continued participation are at the discretion of Weathered Pages.

✓ Commit to contributing positively to the mission, culture, and community of The Next Chapter Program.

The Next Chapter Program

Turning the Page Toward Your Musical Future

A Weathered Pages Artist Development Initiative