This is a worldwide open call for nominations of performing arts ensembles in all disciplines (dance, music, theater, multidisciplinary) from Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania for tours to the U.S. with Center StageSM.  Four to six individual month-long tours will take place during the period of June to December of 2016.

Nominations may be submitted by any individual or organization knowledgeable about performing arts ensembles in these four countries including, but not limited to artists and their representatives, presenters, arts organizations, public agencies, and U.S. embassy personnel.  Interested performing arts ensembles may also nominate themselves.  Multiple nominations for ensembles will be accepted. Nominations of ensembles working in contemporary forms are strongly encouraged.

The final four to six ensembles selected will represent two of these countries, and will be chosen through a curatorial process.

All members of the ensemble must be at least 18 years of age (by June 2016) and a permanent resident of the country in which the ensemble is based. Nominations of ensembles working in contemporary forms are strongly encouraged.

The nomination form is available at the following link:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/CenterStageNominationsSeason3. Please share this widely within your networks through e-mail and social media channels. The deadline for nominations is October 20.

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 social events.
• Are comprised of two to nine ensemble members (artists and staff) who are citizens and residents of one of the eligible countries, Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania.
• Have previous touring experience but 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.

All nominations will be reviewed by a panel of artistic advisors with knowledge of the performing arts and culture in these specific countries. Selections will be made by the New England Foundation for the Arts, in consultation with Lisa Booth Management, Inc., with final approval from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

For more information on Center Stage and the ensembles for Seasons 1 and 2 visit our Artist section. 

If you have any questions regarding Center Stage, please contact Kelsey Colcord, Program Coordinator, at kcolcord@nefa.org.

Center Stage is an exchange program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Exchange programs initiated by the Bureau support U.S. foreign policy goals and engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes, and rising leaders in the U.S. and more than 160 countries.  Center Stage uses the performing arts to support cultural understanding between American and international communities; participating artists experience the U.S. first hand and cultivate lasting relationships. It is administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, with management for Center Stage provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.