[Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation](https://www.midatlanticarts.org)

February 25, 2026 (Full application) | March 4, 2026 (Engagement invitation letters)

Up to $11,000 per grant; 1:1 cash match required; typically funds 17–23% of applicants.

Supports U.S. performing artists and ensembles for in-person engagements at international festivals and arts markets outside the United States.

Fiscal sponsorship is no longer allowed; individuals or 501(c)(3) nonprofits must apply directly.

--- ## Description This program supports professional U.S. performing artists and ensembles in presenting their work at curated international festivals, global arts markets, and other eligible engagements outside of the United States. The grant aims to foster artistic growth, expand career opportunities, and promote cross-cultural exchange by enabling artists to connect with international audiences, presenters, and peers. Eligible disciplines include dance, music, theater, and multidisciplinary performing arts. --- ## Due Dates - **February 25, 2026:** Full application deadline (submit by 11:59 PM Eastern) - **March 4, 2026:** Deadline to upload signed engagement invitation letters/contracts (by 11:59 PM Eastern) Applications are for engagements taking place between June 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. --- ## Funding Amount - **Grant range:** $1,000–$11,000 - **Matching requirement:** 1:1 cash match (grant funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar from non-federal, non-in-kind sources) - **Eligible expenses:** Lodging, per diem, travel (must comply with the Fly America Act), shipping, agents' fees, visa fees, performance fees, registration/application fees up to $350 - **Typical funding rate:** Approximately 17–23% of applicants are funded; selected applications usually receive 90–100% of their request --- ## Eligibility ### Applicant Eligibility - U.S.-based individual artists or ensembles in dance, music, or theater - Applicants must be either: - A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or - An individual artist applying on behalf of themselves or their ensemble - At least half of the performers must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) - All performers must be 18 or older and not enrolled in instructional/academic programs - Applicants must reside in the U.S. or its territories - Applicants must not have received a USArtists International grant within the last 12 months - Applicants must be in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts (no overdue reports) - Fiscal sponsorship is not permitted; managers, agents, LLCs, or fiscal sponsors cannot apply on behalf of artists ### International Tour & Engagement Eligibility - Minimum of one, up to three, international engagements per application - At least one engagement must be at a curated/juried international festival or performing arts market - Additional engagements may be standard performances or other eligible venues - Tours with multiple engagements must be continuous (no return to the U.S. between stops) - Engagements must: - Be organized by a non-U.S.-based entity - Occur outside the U.S. and its territories (not in embargoed countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria) - Pay an artist fee (except for performing arts markets) - Be open to the general public (unless a performing arts market) - Last at least 20 minutes - Not require the artist to pay more than $350 in fees to participate - Provide a signed invitation letter or contract (in English or with translation) --- ## Application Process - **Portal:** Applications are submitted via the [Mid Atlantic Arts SmartSimple portal](https://midatlanticarts.smartsimple.com/) - **Required materials:** - Applicant and project information - Project narrative - Two work samples (each ≤10 minutes; see [work sample guidelines](https://www.midatlanticarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Work-Sample-Recommendations.pdf)) - Biographies of principal artist(s) - Participant list (including citizenship status) - Budget and match documentation - Signed invitation letter(s) or contract(s) for each engagement (may be uploaded up to March 4, 2026) - **Review criteria:** Artistic merit and artistic excellence, including impact on the artist’s career, community, and field; representation of underrepresented voices; and quality of work samples - **Notification:** Applicants notified by May 20, 2026 - **Payment:** 100% of grant paid 45–60 days prior to engagement upon completion of grant agreement - **Reporting:** Final report due within 30 days after project completion --- ## Additional Information - **No fiscal sponsorship:** Individuals or 501(c)(3) nonprofits must apply directly. - **Matching funds:** Cannot include federal or in-kind contributions. - **Fly America Act:** Airfare supported by the grant must comply with federal travel regulations. - **Fringe festivals:** Most are ineligible unless curated and meet all program criteria; confirm eligibility before applying. - **Competitive process:** Only 17–23% of applicants are funded; thorough preparation is recommended. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.midatlanticarts.org/opportunity/usartists-international/) - [Application Portal](https://midatlanticarts.smartsimple.com/) - [Work Sample Recommendations (PDF)](https://www.midatlanticarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Work-Sample-Recommendations.pdf) - [International Festival Database](https://midatlanticarts.org/resources/international-festivals/) - [Eligibility Webinar (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/gUh2NYwndr8) - [Application Tips Webinar (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/R3hewMUIY3Q) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------| | Andrew Alness Olson | Program Director, International | andrew@midatlanticarts.org | 410.539.6656 | For accessibility accommodations or specific eligibility questions, contact Andrew Alness Olson directly. ---

USArtists International

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