Introduction

ArtsCONNECT supports performing arts touring projects collaboratively developed by presenters working together in the mid-Atlantic region.

The tours include performances as well as complementary engagement activities designed to create greater understanding or connections between artists, audiences, and communities.

Three or more located in the mid-Atlantic region who partner to present the same artist/company during the project period can each receive up to 50% subsidy for that artist/company’s compensation plus support for other eligible project expenses. Projects that demonstrate clear mission impact, strong artistry, well-rounded community and artist engagements, and thoughtful and inclusive efforts to engage audiences systemically underserved by the arts are encouraged to apply.

Grant support range: Engagement support of up to 50% of artists fees. Maximum of $10,000. Other eligible expenses of up to $2,000 to support direct project expenses.

Eligibility and Schedule

Eligibility

To be eligible for an ArtsCONNECT grant award, presenters must:

  • Be based in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia, and the Native nations that share this geography;
  • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be a unit of state or local government or Federally recognized Indian tribal government;
  • Demonstrate organizational administrative capacity to complete all required project components;
  • Be in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts at the time of application, with no overdue or outstanding required reports and/or grant documents

Review full program guidelines for more details on program structure and eligibility.

Schedule

  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: ArtsCONNECT application goes live
  • Thursday, November 14, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm Eastern: ArtsCONNECT Presenter Information Webinar | View Here
  • Thursday, December 12, 2024, 2:00pm-3:30pm Eastern: Presenter Pitch Session | View a recording
  • Thursday, February 13, 2025: Projects in Development Submission Deadline
  • Tuesday, February 25, 2025: ArtsCONNECT Application Deadline
  • July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026: Project period for ArtsCONNECT-supported projects
The following documents will be posted in the coming weeks:
  • ArtsCONNECT Guidelines in Spanish as a PDF
  • ArtsCONNECT Guidelines in Spanish as an accessible Word document
  • Preview copy of ArtsCONNECT narrative questions in Spanish as an accessible Word document

Projects In Development

To be eligible for ArtsCONNECT support, one presenter in each consortium must submit the artist/company they plan to apply for support to present to the Projects in Development listing. The Projects in Development listing deadline is Thursday, February 13, 2025.  

Click here to submit a project to the Projects in Development listing.

Submissions will be updated weekly until the submission deadline.  

Click here to download the December 12, 2024 Projects in Developments listing as a PDF (link opens in a new window)

Click here to download the December 12, 2024 Projects in Developments listing as a Word doc 

Display caption

Image: A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham perform the duet MotorRover. Credit: Steven Pisano.

Current Grantees

Explore the current grantees and tour engagements.

   

Panelists

For this program, Mid Atlantic Arts works with a panel of independent reviewers to recommend applications for funding. To be considered as a panelist for this and other programs, complete our Panelist Interest Form. You only need to complete the form once to be considered for multiple programs. Click here to access the Panelist Interest Form.

2024-2025 Program Panelists
2023-2024 Program Panelists
2022-2023 Program Panelists
2021-2022 Program Panelists

Opportunity & Support Type
Grant
Target Candidate
Federally-recognized Indian tribal government, Units of government, Performing Arts Presenter
Discipline
Folklife & Traditional Arts
Performing Arts
Regional Requirement
DC
DE
MD
NJ
NY
PA
PR
USVI
VA
WV
Questions or need guidance?
Sarah Lewitus
Program Director, Performing Arts and Accessibility Coordinator
Sarah Theune
Program Associate. Performing Arts and Creativity in Community
Funding support provided by:
  • National Endowment for the Arts Logo. Black copy with a red and blue stacked line running underneath.