Reflecting on Four Seasons of Center Stage

I am pleased to share this summary of the first four seasons of Center Stage, a cultural diplomacy program that has brought a global perspective to the cultural dialogue since 2012.

By supporting performing artists from abroad to tour to the U.S., Center Stage enables cultural engagement with American communities. The program offers curated and professionally managed tours as well as financial and logistical support to presenters that make it possible organizations of all sizes to bring perspectives from around the world to their communities.

This report reflects on the tours of 29 ensembles representing nine countries, reaching 35 U.S. states and Washington D.C. It includes data collected by NEFA and Lisa Booth Management and findings from RMC Research. But it’s not just about the data - the individual stories demonstrate the depth of impact of Center Stage, including the connections between artists and local communities, between artists and the Center Stage model, and the growing number of arts presenters around the country who value the opportunity to bring Center Stage to their homes.

We are now booking engagements for Season 5 with artists from Colombia and Perú and planning ahead for Season 6 with artists from Argentina, Armenia, and Taiwan. We welcome you to be a part of Center Stage!

The report PDF is tagged for screen readers. A limited number of hard copies of the report are available by request; please email senior program officer Kelsey Spitalny. 

Center Stage is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government. It is administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.