Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation partnered with the Association of Performing Arts Presenters to host a Jazz Think-In on January 12, 2008 in New York City. The meeting represented the initial step in a process to develop strategies to respond to the evolving business environment for jazz. Over 20 individuals, including jazz artists, agents, distributors, presenters, and writers, explored how changes in the marketplace and the influences of popular culture and new technology will impact the art form over the next five-to- ten years, and what transformations from current operating models may be necessary to ensure the field's health and vitality. The meeting was facilitated by Steven Tepper, Associate Director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University.

Prior to receiving the Mellon Jazz 2007 Living Legacy Award at the Kennedy Center, Benny Golson took a few minutes to talk with Sara Donnelly, MAAF's jazz program officer. The interview includes Benny's take on touring and international festivals, early days with John Coltrane, his experience on The Terminal movie set, the world of jazz, and a brief excerpt from the Award ceremony. Listen in!

March 24, 2008 marks the ArtsCONNECT application deadline for consortium projects taking place between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. MAAF is introducing a new eGRANT application process for the 2008 round. The ArtsCONNECT egrant application will be available after February 1, 2008.

The ArtsCONNECT application has been streamlined from past rounds, and modifications have been made to the requirements for complementary activities and collaboration among the presenting partners. For more information about the ArtsCONNECT program and to review the guidelines, click here.

If you are interested in learning about ArtsCONNECT projects in formation across the region in order to join a consortium and submit an application, please send an email to Krista Bradley at krista@midatlanticarts.org. An updated list of ArtsCONNECT projects in development is now available.

Photo: Gary Burton Chick Corea Duo were part of a 2007-2008 Arts CONNECT tour.

The second round application deadline for USArtists International funding is May 5, 2008 for projects taking place July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. This is RECEIPT deadline not a postmarked deadline. To review the guidelines and complete an application, click here.

USArtists International provides support for U.S. dance and music ensembles invited to perform at international festivals in the European Union, Russia, and Ukraine. Eligible countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Photo: USAI grantee Delirious Dance performs in Berlin.

PA Presenters Conference Save the Date! The annual Pennsylvania Presenters Conference will be Wednesday-Friday, May 28-30, 2008 in Harrisburg, PA. PennPAT will be producing at least 16 artist showcases at the Whitaker Center - more information to follow. For additional conference information, visit the PA Presenters Conference website.



PennPAT Fee-Support and New Directions Grants
Upcoming Deadlines:

February 15, 2008: For projects scheduled between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2010. Applications must be submitted on the 2008 application form, now available online. For more info and to apply, click here.

North Carolina:
A limited amount of support is available to North Carolina presenting organizations at the February 15, 2008 deadline. This funding is made possible through a partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council.

Dance/USA announces 25 To Watch
PennPAT artists featured
Congratulations to PennPAT roster artists Charles O. Anderson, founder of Dance Theatre X and Kumiko Tsuji with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre who are featured in Dance/USA's "25 To Watch" in this month's Dance Magazine. To read the complete article, click here.

Photo: Dance Theatre X/Charles O. Anderson. Credit: Gabriel Biencycki.

Special fee support grants are available to presenters booking artists on Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation's 2008- 2009 American Masterpieces and Mid Atlantic Tour rosters while supplies last. The deadline for submitting offer letters to agents of roster artists is February 15, 2008 providing that funds are still available. If you're interested in any of the roster artists and have not yet contacted their booking agent, please do so today. Find out more about these artist rosters, contact information for their booking agents, and how to access these funds by clicking here. Should you have question about funding availability, contact Krista Bradley, Program Officer, Performing Arts at krista@midatlanticarts.org.

Photo: Simon Shaheen is featured on the 2008- 2009 Mid Atlantic Tours Roster

Getting tired of the winter blahs? Looking forward to some spring and summer fun? Spend some time with Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation's From Bridge to Boardwalk: An Audio Journey Across Maryland's Eastern Shore - available on Amazon.com - and start planning a vacation getaway (even if it is only imaginary!) From Bridge to Boardwalk features interviews with a host of Shore folks interspersed with music and historic audio. A book of essays, images, and Shore resources completes the package. Join us on a journey to meet the amazing Lady Eglantine - record laying hen, gospel group the Zionaires, and the Ward brothers - world renowned decoy carvers. You'll be glad you stopped by!