New & Experimental Works (NEW) Program
Forecasted
New & Experimental Works (NEW) Program supports Bay Area artists developing dance, theater, and multidisciplinary projects that expand artistic practice and address issues meaningful to their communities.
Funder: Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$30,000 grants; 24-month grant period in the 2026 cycle
Summary: Supports Bay Area artists developing new and experimental dance, theater, and multidisciplinary projects for their communities.
Key Information: Applicants need nonprofit status or a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, and projects must include a public presentation.
Description
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s NEW Program provides project support to help Bay Area artists create visionary work in dance, theater, and multidisciplinary performance. It emphasizes work that advances an artist’s practice, expands the boundaries of dance or theater, and addresses issues that matter to artists and their communities. New work may be unfinished or not yet presented in the Bay Area; a fully produced performance is not required.
Projects may include research and development, work-in-progress showings, readings, films of project activities, or productions in outdoor, site-specific, and alternative venues. The Foundation prioritizes meaningful community connections, distinctive collaborations, significant artist compensation, and project activities in San Francisco and Oakland.
