New & Experimental Works (NEW) Program
Forecasted
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation's New & Experimental Works (NEW) Program funds innovative Bay Area dance, theater, and multidisciplinary arts projects that emphasize experimentation and community impact.
Funder: Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application period opens & full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Grants range from $5,000–$30,000 for a 24-month period; typically 20–30 awards per cycle.
Summary: Supports Bay Area small and mid-size organizations producing innovative dance, theater, and multidisciplinary projects with strong community relevance.
Key Information: Forecasted cycle; eligibility and requirements may be updated—review program page before applying.
Description
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation's New & Experimental Works (NEW) Program provides project grants to support small and mid-size dance, theater, and multidisciplinary arts organizations in the Bay Area. The program aims to empower artists to create visionary, boundary-pushing projects that are deeply relevant to their communities, encourage experimentation, and foster innovative collaborations. Grants are unrestricted and may include artist fees, with a strong emphasis on significant compensation for artists and public presentation of work in a variety of venues—including outdoor, site-specific, and alternative spaces. Since 2015, the program has awarded over $6 million to more than 200 organizations, prioritizing projects that deepen artistic practice and expand the boundaries of dance and theater.
