Developing international exchange: NEFA's Idea Swap & CINARS Biennale

NEFA is working in partnership with CINARS, supported by the Québec Government Office in Boston and the Ministry of Culture, to develop ongoing relationships for international cultural exchange between artists and performing arts presenters in New England and Québec. 

The exchange will:

• Aim to build an ongoing touring network between the two regions
• Increase participants’ knowledge of artists and presenters in each region
• Expand touring opportunities for artists from New England and Québec 

NEFA will invite a diverse group of six to eight presenters and artists from New England to participate in two key events in November 2016. CINARS will host a counterpart delegation of six to eight arts presenters from Québec.

NEFA’s Idea Swap: November 2, 2016, in Worcester, MA 
The Idea Swap is an annual one-day event for New England-based organizations that present artists to network and share project ideas that may qualify for funding from NEFA's Expeditions grant program. Each year, NEFA’s Idea Swap attracts over 150 cultural organizations and performing artists. The Idea Swap stimulates opportunities for collaboration and partnerships in arts touring and presenting while raising awareness and support for arts projects and activities available to New England communities. The Idea Swap includes informal networking, five-minute presentations of projects available for New England-wide touring, a networking lunch, and facilitated small groups to discuss project ideas. A private follow up meeting for participants may be scheduled for November 3.

CINARS Biennale: November 14-19, 2016, in Montréal, Québec
Every two years in Montréal, CINARS organizes one of the most important international performing arts conferences in the world, with nearly 1,300 professionals hailing from 40 countries including 270 show presenters, some of whom are the most influential in the business. During one week, over a hundred shows from Québec, Canada, and abroad grace the stages while workshops, networking events, as well as an exhibition hall, are teeming with participants. After 14 editions, the CINARS Biennale has become a key worldwide event in performing arts touring.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet colleagues in Québec, see the work of artists with whom they may be unfamiliar, develop collaborative touring opportunities, and participate in a peer network. 

NEFA will provide New England presenters with $800 in travel support for attendance at CINARS. Complimentary registration will be provided to attend CINARS and the Idea Swap. Presenters are expected to cover the balance of their expenses, attend both events, and participate in follow up discussions or meetings. 

   Apply Now   

Deadline September 23, 2016

Presenters will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Interest in developing peer relationships with peers in Québec
• Interest in learning more about a diverse range of artists from Québec
• Relationships with peer presenters in New England and the capacity to share learning with regional colleagues
• Track record of creative collaborations with performing artists, including and especially with New England-based artists 

NEFA intends to invite a diverse group of presenters and artists that represent a range of geographies, community sizes, and experiences with international exchange. All presenters interested in this opportunity are encouraged to apply regardless of budget size or experience with international exchange. 

Artists will be invited to participate after the presenter participants have been confirmed. Artists interested in participating are welcome to contact Adrienne Petrillo to learn more about this initiative.

Applications are due by September 23, 2016; notifications will be made within two weeks after the deadline.