SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 1, 2010

New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), in partnership with U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, will launch Center Stage, a pilot of U.S. tours by performing arts ensembles from abroad in 2012. An emphasis of the program is community interaction and artist-to-artist exchange.

This call seeks nominations of performing arts ensembles in all disciplines (dance, music, theater) from Haiti, Indonesia, Mali, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, and Turkey. The final artists will represent three to four of these countries and will be selected through a curatorial process. Artists interested in participating may submit a nomination on behalf of their own ensemble. All members of the ensemble should be at least 18 years of age. Nominations of ensembles working in contemporary forms are strongly encouraged.

Artist Selection Criteria
• Demonstrate high artistic quality and accomplishment.

• Have an interest in engaging with U.S. communities, including youth, through public and in-school performances, workshops, discussions, artist-to-artist exchanges, and social events.

• Are comprised of three to nine ensemble members (artists and staff).

• Have previous touring experience but have rarely been seen in the U.S.

• Have an ability to communicate electronically via email and/or Skype, and a working knowledge of English and/or access to translators.


*Required field

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* 1. Country of performing arts ensemble:

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* 3. Name of ensemble:

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* 4. Art form/genre of ensemble:

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* 5. Website (or other online presence) of ensemble:

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* 6. Primary contact for the ensemble:

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* 7. How would you describe this ensemble’s artistry and their suitability for the Center Stage program? Please limit your answer to 250 words or less.

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* 8. What is the ensemble’s previous experience touring abroad? Please include examples of past international touring experience, if possible. Please limit your answer to 250 words or less.

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* 9. Please enter your contact information:

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* 10. Please provide your additional contact information:

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* 11. May we contact you for additional information?

Center Stage is made possible by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts

General management for Center Stage will be provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc (LBMI).

All nominations will be reviewed by a panel of artistic advisors with knowledge of the performing arts and culture in these specific countries. Final selections will be made by NEFA, in consultation with LBMI, with approval from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.

If you have any questions regarding Center Stage, please contact Adrienne Petrillo, Program Manager, at apetrillo@nefa.org.

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