Cultural Diplomacy Program opens Call for Artists due October 15, 2019

(Boston, MA – September 10, 2019) The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) is pleased to announce the fifth season of Center Stage and open the call for nominations of performing artists from Colombia and Peru, the two countries whose artists will be highlighted in this fifth season.

Center Stage is a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Center Stage creates opportunities for in-depth exchange among artists, presenters, and the public, creating alliances for exploration – and mutual understanding. Since 2012, 29 performing arts ensembles from nine nations -- Algeria, Egypt, Haiti, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Tanzania, Ukraine, and Vietnam –- have visited 100 different communities in 35 states and D.C., hosted by colleges and universities, festivals, music clubs, and cultural centers. Each tour includes residencies in large cities and small towns, and a range of activities from performances, workshops, and discussions, to artist-to-artist exchanges, masterclasses, and community gatherings.

Center Stage will support U.S. tours of five performing arts ensembles total from Colombia and Peru during the period of June-November 2021.

Nominations may be submitted by anyone, including presenters, artists and their representatives, U.S. Embassy personnel, regional arts organizations, state arts agencies, international institutions, and individuals in the U.S. and abroad knowledgeable about performing arts ensembles in the identified countries. Artists interested in participating may submit a nomination on behalf of their own ensemble. Multiple nominations for ensembles are accepted. 

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE AN ENSEMBLE. NOMINATIONS ARE DUE OCTOBER 15, 2019.

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 the selected countries, and 21 years or older at the time of a Center Stage tour.
• 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.
• Be available to tour in the U.S. for approximately one month during the period of June-November 2021.

Center Stage is particularly interested in professional artists creating contemporary work. 

click here for the nomination form

“For five distinctive seasons, Center Stage has welcomed important new voices into our national cultural dialogue, enlarging our world, and sharing diverse, global perspectives directly with communities in the U.S., and with fans and allies abroad,” said NEFA executive director Cathy Edwards. “We look forward to engaging with artists from Colombia and Peru in this season.”

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.

About the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
This Bureau of the State Department promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through international education and exchange programs. Through its Cultural Programs Division, the Bureau supports a variety of cultural exchange programs that support U.S. foreign policy, foster America's artistic excellence, and demonstrate America's respect and appreciation for other cultures and traditions. 

About Lisa Booth Management, Inc.
Lisa Booth Management, Inc. (LBMI) realizes contemporary performing arts projects for the widest possible public. A producer, curator, and manager, LBMI’s projects have taken place in more than 400 cities in 55 countries on six continents since 1983. As general manager for Center Stage, LBMI is responsible for tour scheduling, residency planning, promotion, artist care, travel, tax, and visa arrangements, production/backline coordination, tour staffing, and 24/7 oversight.

About NEFA
The New England Foundation for the Arts invests in artists and communities and fosters equitable access to the arts, enriching the cultural landscape in New England and the nation.  NEFA accomplishes this by granting funds to artists and cultural organizations; connecting them to each other and their audiences; and analyzing their economic contributions. NEFA serves as a regional partner for the National Endowment for the Arts, New England’s state arts agencies, and private foundations. NEFA is the U.S. Department of State’s primary partner for Center Stage. Learn more at www.nefa.org.

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Contact: Kelsey Spitalny, kspitalny@nefa.org