Announcing Center Stage Pakistan:

Nominations period opens for music ensembles from PAKISTAN for tours to the U.S. in 2017

NEFA is partnering with the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan to launch Center Stage Pakistan, a program that will tour two music ensembles in the U.S. in the spring of 2017. Nominations of qualified bands are now being accepted (deadline is October 5, 2015 at midnight Eastern Daylight time).

Center Stage (www.centerstageUS.org) is among the most ambitious programs to bring international contemporary performing artists into direct contact with people across a wide range of American communities, and to share these experiences globally. With high-quality presentation, professional development for participating artists and presenters, and multiple points of access on stage, off stage and online, Center Stage leverages the power of the performing arts to transcend boundaries, encourages people to engage with cultures other than their own, and creates opportunities for lasting impact and understanding.

The two musical ensembles that will participate in Center Stage Pakistan complement tours by five ensembles from Algeria and Tanzania touring in fall of 2016, and will extend relationships with Pakistani artists and cultural leaders. To date, Center Stage has produced U.S. debut tours by six ensembles from Pakistan: Arieb Azhar (2012), Khumariyaan (2014), noori (2012), Poor Rich Boy (2014), Very Live (2012), Zeb & Haniya (2012).

Nominations for Center Stage Pakistan may be submitted by any individual or organization knowledgeable about performing arts in Pakistan including, but not limited to artists and their representatives, presenters, arts organizations, public agencies, and U.S. embassy personnel. Interested music groups may nominate themselves. Multiple nominations for ensembles will be accepted.

The two ensembles selected will be chosen through a curatorial process that begins with this open call for nominations.

The nomination form is available at the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CenterStagePakistanNominations. Please share this widely within your networks through e-mail and social media channels. The deadline for nominations is October 5, 2015 at midnight .

Music Ensemble Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrate high artistic quality and accomplishment of original work or original interpretations of culturally specific repertory (no cover bands).
• 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 Pakistan and at least 18 years of age by March 2017.
• Have previous touring experience but have rarely been seen in the U.S.
• Have an ability to communicate via email and Skype, and a working knowledge of English.

All nominations will be reviewed by a panel of artistic advisors with knowledge of the performing arts and culture in Pakistan. 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. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.

For more information on Center Stage ensembles from Seasons 1-3, visit the Artist section.

If you have any questions regarding the nominations process, please contact Kelsey Spitalny, Program Coordinator, at kspitalny@nefa.org and 617.951.0010 x529

Center Stage is a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, with support from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Center Stage Pakistan is made possible by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.  General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.