Deadline: 28-Apr-2026
The Perelman Performing Arts Center invites national and international performing artists to propose new live works exploring democracy, particularly in the United States. Selected artists will receive a total commission of $60,000, including $30,000 for creation and $30,000 for research and development, with projects expected to premiere in 2027 or 2028. Eligible disciplines include theater, dance, music, opera, and multidisciplinary performance.
Program Overview
The Perelman Performing Arts Center aims to commission and develop 25 new works over five years that engage with the values, practices, and lived experience of democracy.
The program seeks projects that:
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Expand, critique, or celebrate democratic ideals
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Engage with political equality, freedom of expression, and minority rights
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Generate reflection, dialogue, and public participation in democracy
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Situate American democratic experiences in global context when relevant
Funding Details
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Total Commission per Artist: $60,000 USD
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$30,000 USD commission fee for creating the work
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$30,000 USD dedicated to research and development (workshops, readings, exploratory activities)
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Coverage: Creation and development phase only; does not include premiere or ongoing production costs
Eligible Applicants
Artists must:
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Be actively creating new live performance work in theater, dance, music, opera, or multidisciplinary performance
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Have completed and publicly premiered at least two full-length live performance works
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Propose a new work that has not premiered or is not a remount
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Plan project completion for 2027 or 2028, with premiere after May 1, 2027
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Be at least 18 years old and not enrolled full-time in degree-granting programs
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Be able to manage tax implications of income from a U.S.-based arts organization
The open call is international, and U.S. citizenship is not required.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit via Submittable:
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Project Narrative: Description of concept, democratic engagement, and public relevance
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Work Samples: From previously premiered full-length performances
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Development Budget: Allocation of the $30,000 R&D funds
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Project Timeline: Key milestones for creation and development
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Professional Background: Information for lead artist and key collaborators
Selection Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on:
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Ability to explore or critique democratic ideals
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Engagement with political equality, freedom of expression, and minority rights
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Potential to provoke meaningful discussion and reflection
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Artistic merit and innovation in live performance
Key Dates
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Application Deadline: April 28, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time
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Final Selections: Fall 2026
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Notification of Status: Winter 2027
Why This Commission Matters
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Supports the creation of new, socially relevant live performance works
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Encourages international dialogue on democracy through the arts
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Provides significant funding for research, development, and creative exploration
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Amplifies voices of artists engaging critically with civic values and societal issues
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting projects that have already premiered or are remounts
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Failing to provide at least two prior full-length performance works
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Missing the April 28, 2026 deadline
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Not including a clear budget or project timeline
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Applying while enrolled full-time in a degree program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Any national or international performing artist 18 or older, not enrolled full-time in degree programs, with at least two publicly premiered full-length works.
2. Which disciplines are eligible?
Theater, dance, music, opera, and multidisciplinary performance.
3. What does the $60,000 commission cover?
$30,000 for creating the work and $30,000 for research and development activities, such as workshops and readings.
4. Can the project premiere before May 1, 2027?
No, the work must premiere after May 1, 2027.
5. Is U.S. citizenship required?
No, the open call is international.
6. How are projects evaluated?
Projects are reviewed for artistic merit, engagement with democratic principles, innovation, and potential to foster public discourse.
7. How are applications submitted?
Applications are submitted through Submittable with a narrative, work samples, development budget, timeline, and artist background information.
Conclusion
The Perelman Performing Arts Center Democracy-Focused Commission supports artists in creating new works that explore, celebrate, or critique democratic ideals.
By providing financial support for creation and development, the program enables innovative live performance projects to engage audiences, stimulate civic dialogue, and enrich the cultural discourse around democracy in the United States and beyond.
For more information, visit Perelman Performing Arts Center.