Deadline: 31 May 2019
The Public Affairs Section of U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg of the U.S. Department of State has announced an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a Black History Month performance program.
As part of the U.S. Mission’s commemoration of Black History Month (BHM) in February 2020, the grantee will stage a four-week (20- performance minimum) run of a thought-provoking play that addresses the African-American experience.
Program Objectives
The grantee’s theatrical production program should:
- Raise awareness about African-American literature, culture, and/or history with South African audiences.
- Conduct educational outreach in connection with the production for historically disadvantaged South African youth. The outreach should underscore connections between African-Americans’ struggle for equality in the United States and South Africa’s liberation struggle (examples: student performances that take place in township schools or other venues in the greater Gauteng area, and/or skills- or partnership building collaborations between performance organizations that share the play’s message beyond the urban centers).
- Ensure a first-hand experience of the theatrical production for historically disadvantaged youth audiences at no cost (examples: in addition to the example above, a dedicated matinee performance for youth; theatrical performances in area schools; blocks of free tickets for high school students, etc.).
- Host a gala reception on or around opening night to provide a platform for key stakeholders, including the U.S. Mission to South Africa, to raise awareness about the similar histories of the African-American and South African liberation struggles.
Program Elements
- Design and produce a four-week Black History Month theatrical performance. Host a gala reception for key U.S. Mission stakeholders.
- Invite American playwright to South Africa, if practical.
- Conduct educational outreach and performances in under-served areas of Greater Gauteng, preferably in collaboration with partner organizations.
- Part of the 20-performance run must take place in a city outside Gauteng.
Funding Information
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $75,000 to a maximum of $100,000.
- Total expected funding: $100,000.
- Length of performance period: One year, with performances primarily taking place in February, 2020.
- Anticipated program start date: September 27, 2019.
- Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed by March 15, 2020.
Eligible Applicants
- The following United States and South African organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.
- Public and private educational institutions.
- Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost-sharing is not required. The grantee may use this funding opportunity to supplement funding for a large theatrical production that contains the elements described above and achieves the aforementioned goals and objectives.
How to Apply
Applications should be emailed at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=314254