I just think there a better ways to promote an art-form (ANY artform) than singling one individual for a windfall once a year.

Surely the act of giving 10 grand to an individual in a marginalised art form is an act of publicity and attention-giving for that art form in general. Therefore the wider music benefits from the good fortune of one.

I don't really care if the recipient just spends it on paying the rent and the food bill: if the pressure's off for a while, the chances are they'll be putting the time in to improving their art or some fresh creativity.