This is an open call for nominations of music, dance, and theater ensembles from Egypt, Jordan, and Ukraine to participate in tours to the U.S. with Center Stage. Building on the program's success over the past three seasons, Center Stage will invite five ensembles to make individual month-long tours during the period of June to December 2018.

Nominations may be submitted by any individual or organization knowledgeable about performing arts ensembles in these 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 five 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 2018) 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:
surveymonkey.com/r/CenterStageSeason4Nominations. Please share this widely within your networks through e-mail and social media channels. The deadline for nominations is October 11, 2016 at Midnight EDT.

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.
• Be comprised of two to nine ensemble members (artists and staff) who are citizens and residents of Egypt, Jordan, or Ukraine.
• Have previous touring experience but have rarely been seen in the U.S.
• Have an ability to communicate electronically via email and Skype in English.
• Have an interest and agree to actively share these experiences through traditional press outreach and social media channels.

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 1-3 visit our Artist page. 

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

Center Stage Season 4 is an 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. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.