Stay Connected
Receive the latest news, grant offerings, and community events.
When
-
Where
Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
The Idea Swap is the annual event for New England-based nonprofit cultural organizations and touring artists to network and share ideas for touring projects. This year, we will convene back at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.
$65 early bird | $85 regular
Nonprofit arts organizations are highly encouraged to attend the Idea Swap to learn more about potential New England States Touring (NEST) 3 tours and identify tour partners. NEST 3 grants support the presentation of artists from anywhere in the world and presenting partners across multiple New England states are required.
To support networking that is mutually beneficial for organizations and artists, capacity is limited. Organizations may register up to three staff members. The Idea Swap is designed for staff who directly participate in artistic or community programming. Artistic ensembles may register up to two members.
Key Dates
- Project Idea Submission Deadline: October 9, 2024
- Early Bird Registration Deadline: October 18, 2024
- Registration Closes: November 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Idea Swap: November 12, 2024
How to Submit Your Idea for a Project Presentation
If you have a project that has potential for a NEST 3 tour, please submit your idea through our new call for proposals by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 9. If selected, you’ll have exactly 5 minutes and audio/visual support to share your touring project idea with the full room at Idea Swap. Space on our agenda is extremely limited, but all projects will be available online on the Whova app. Information and instructions for displaying additional project proposals on online will be provided to registered attendees later in October.
If you have any questions about project submission or selection, please contact Audrey Seraphin at aseraphin@nefa.org.
Schedule of Events
October 31
Pre-Idea Swap Networking & How to Make the Most Out of Idea Swap | 2:00 – 3:30PM
Idea Swap can be a whirlwind day. Whether you will be attending Idea Swap for the first time or the twentieth time, this virtual session will help you learn more about NEFA, understand the goals of Idea Swap, and consider various ways one can participate in and experience the gathering.
Engage in a discussion with past Idea Swap attendees who represent different creative identities and perspectives on the event and connect informally with other attendees in small breakout sessions.
This event will include ASL interpretation and live captioning. If you require ADA accommodations, services, or auxiliary formats to support your full participation, please contact Falyn Elhard by Monday, October 21.
November 12
9:30 AM | Registration Opens
10:00 AM | Idea Swap Welcome & Introductions
10:30 AM | The Presenting and Touring Ecosystem in New England: What has changed? What are the opportunities? What’s next?
A panel of speakers with diverse views of the ecosystem will share their observations and engage in a discussion about the future of the field.
12:00 noon | Lunch
1:15 PM | Project Presentations
Hear from presenting organizations and touring artists about artistic projects seeking presenting partners for performances across New England.
- Karen Henderson, Bill T. Jones STILL/HERE
- Godfrey Simmons, Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country
- Shoshanna Bass, Feral
- Yvonne Mendez, Arbor and Other Works by Jody Sperling
- Brittany Parker, Música: Celebrating Inspirational Women in Music
- Lori Jones, Minty Fresh Circus
- Rob Richter, “Lost Lear” a Production by Irish Playwright & Director Dan Colley
1:55 | Break
2:10 PM | Project Presentations Continued
- Daniel Callahan & Nerissa Williams-Scott, Come On In-Live
- Gina Marie Jamieson, Birnam Wood-Manual Cinema
- Ali Kenner Brodsky, your love: behind me
- Kathleen Pletcher, Silkroad Ensemble’s American Railroad
- Aimee Petrin, Hubbard Street Dance Company
- Guy Mendilow and Regie Gibson, Different Ships, Same Boat
- Chloe Powell, Moneka Arabic Jazz, and Gilgamesh
2:45 PM | Closing Remarks
3:00 PM | Networking Reception
Light refreshments and cash bar. Sponsored by New England Arts Presenters.
Interested in applying for NEST grant? Watch this webinar from September 10, 2024 on NEST 1, 2, 3
Watch the NEST Webinar
or read the transcript at the link, above.
Directions, Parking, & Hotel
There are five nearby hotel options in the area:
- AC Hotel Worcester
125 Front St, Worcester, MA 01608
4-minute drive, 8-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
Parking: $18/day in underground parking garage- There is a limited block of rooms for $216.31, including tax.
- Courtyard Worcester
72 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605
5-minute drive, 19-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
Parking: $15/day - Hampton Inn & Suites Worcester
65 Prescott St, Worcester, MA 01605
5-minute drive, 20-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
Parking: $15/day - Hilton Garden Inn Worcester
35 Major Taylor Blvd, Worcester, MA 01608
3-minute drive, 7-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
Parking: $11.95/day, parking garage across the street from hotel - Homewood Suites by Hilton Worcester
1 Washington Sq, Worcester, MA 01604
4-minute drive, 9-minute walk
Parking: Free parking lot
Accessible Entrance
The accessible entrance is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. Idea Swap check in is located on the second floor.
Funders
The New England States Touring program is made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.
