Call for International Performers

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), will launch Center StageSM, a pilot of U.S. tours of international performing arts ensembles with the aim of fostering cross-cultural understanding between citizens of the U.S. and other countries.  The program will build cultural awareness, develop long-lasting relationships between people, and enhance mutual understanding.  The New York City-based artist services firm Lisa Booth Management, Inc. (LBMI) will serve as general manager for the program.

Performing arts ensembles of three to nine members each from Haiti, Indonesia, Mali, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, and Turkey working in the disciplines of music, dance, and theater are eligible; final selection will represent a total of ten ensembles from three to four of these countries.

Throughout the calendar year of 2012, month-long tours throughout the U.S. will connect international artists with diverse communities in primarily small- and mid-sized American cities and towns, with a focus on youth engagement.  The program will offer a range of exchange activities, including performances, school workshops, artist-to-artist exchange, classes, and community gatherings. 

Center StageSM will provide each ensemble with an honorarium and arrange and pay for travel and direct on-tour expenses. U.S.-based staff will accompany each ensemble on tour.

Artist Selection Criteria

• Demonstrate high artistic quality and accomplishment.
• Have an interest in engaging with U.S. communities, including youth, through public and in-school performances, workshops, discussions, artist-to-artist exchanges, and community gatherings.
• Are comprised of three to nine ensemble members (artists and staff). 
• Have previous touring experience but have not traveled to the U.S. or have rarely been seen in the U.S.
• Have an ability to communicate electronically via email and/or Skype, and a working knowledge of English and/or access to translators. (Interpreters will be provided as needed on tour.)

Nominations of ensembles working in contemporary forms are strongly encouraged.

Selection Process
Artist selections will be recommended by a panel of artistic advisors with knowledge of the performing arts and culture in these specific countries.  Final selections will be made by NEFA, in consultation with Lisa Booth Management, Inc., with approval from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. In addition to the criteria listed above, other factors influencing selection may include artist availability, size of ensemble, artistic discipline, mix and diversity of programming, and other logistical issues.  Ensembles considered for participation will be contacted by February 2011. 

Nominations & How to Apply
Nominations are welcome from presenters, artists and their representatives, state and regional arts agencies, country and U.S. embassy personnel as well as other knowledgeable individuals in the U.S and abroad. Artists interested in participating may submit a nomination on behalf of their own ensemble. Ensembles considered for participation will be contacted by February 2011.  Visit centerstageUS.org for more details and to access the online application.  Deadline is November 1, 2010.

Center StageSM is made possible by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts.
General management for Center StageSM will be provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.

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