Introduction

USArtists International® supports performances by artists from any state or territory in the U.S. at engagements at international festivals and global presenting arts marketplaces outside of the United States. The program funds individuals and ensembles across all performing arts practices and disciplines.

Mid Atlantic Arts is committed to the development and expansion of both the careers and artistic goals of U.S. performers by providing connections to audiences, presenters, curators, and their peers through the USAI program. By elevating the voices that reflect a vibrant array of creative expression, we are able to celebrate and share the diversity and imagination of the United States.

Grant support range: Grants of up to $15,000 toward eligible travel expenses.

Eligibility and Schedule

Eligibility

Applications to USAI must meet eligibility criteria in each of the following three areas to be eligible for the program:

  1. Artist Eligibility
  2. Festival/Performing Arts Market Eligibility
  3. Engagement Eligibility

Please see the Guidelines below for the full list of eligibility requirements.

Schedule

This is an annual opportunity. There are two application rounds per year. The 2023-2024 deadlines are:

September 29, 2023 by 11:59 PM Eastern
For projects taking place between January 15, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
Fiscal Sponsor certification and letters of invitation are due by October 6, 2023.

March 27, 2024 by 11:59 PM Eastern
For projects taking place between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
Fiscal Sponsor certification and letters of invitation are due by April 3, 2024.

Drop-In Sessions

Do you have questions about the USArtist International application? Our staff is available to answer your questions during our Virtual Drop-In sessions. No prior scheduling or registration is required; join anytime during the session.

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87349256498
Meeting ID: 873 4925 6498

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82209143662
Meeting ID: 822 0914 3662

Thursday, March 21st, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 pm Eastern
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82593378531
Meeting ID: 825 9337 8531

Webinars

USArtists International offers two webinars for applicants. Learn more at the links below.

USArtists International Webinar: Am I eligible?
Wednesday, January 31 at 1:30 pm ET | Click here to view a recording

Are you a solo artist or performing arts ensemble considering an application to the USArtists International grant program? This webinar is for you, whether you’ve applied before or this is your first-time hearing about USAI. You’ll leave this webinar with a clear understanding of the program guidelines, timeline, and what is needed to be eligible for funding.

USArtists International Webinar: Application Tips and Pointers
Wednesday, February 14 at 1:30 pm ET | Click here to view a recording

View this webinar and learn some tips on how to use the Mid Atlantic Arts grant portal to submit your USAI application.

Display caption

Image: 79rs Gang in concert at the Nancy, Jazz Pulsations Festival in France. The audience has been invited onstage to dance with the band. Big Chief Romeo Bougere, front and center, waves a black towel in the air. Credit: Max Kawczynski.

See the full list of 2024 USAI Fall round grantees.

Panelists

For this program, Mid Atlantic Arts works with a panel of independent reviewers to recommend applications for funding. To be considered as a panelist for this and other programs, complete our Panelist Interest Form. You only need to complete the form once to be considered for multiple programs. Click here to access the Panelist Interest Form.

Mid Atlantic Arts panelists serve as individuals and their professional affiliations are listed solely for context. Affiliations and locations were correct at the time of panel service.

2023-2024 Panelists
2022-2023 Panelists
2021-2022 Panelists
2020-2021 Panelists

Fiscal Sponsorship

USArtists International guidelines require applicants without 501(c)3 nonprofit status to apply using a US-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Nonprofit organizations serving as fiscal sponsors must provide this service as part of their regular operations, and this service must be available to any artist that meets the respective organizations’ published criteria for fiscal sponsorship. Fiscal sponsors do not have to be located in your state of residence. The links provided below are resources for potential applicants and the organizations are not affiliated or endorsed by Mid Atlantic Arts. Fiscal sponsors do not have to be found through these resources in order to meet USArtists International guidelines. To learn more about fiscal sponsorship and securing a fiscal sponsor, visit:

Fiscal Sponsorship 101: Fiscal Sponsoship Resources by Grantspace / en Español

Information on seeking and providing fiscal sponsorship: National Network of Fiscal Sponsors

A non-comprehensive directory of fiscal sponsors nationwide: San Francisco Study Center’s Fiscal Sponsor Directory

Opportunity & Support Type
Grant
Target Candidate
Artist/practitioner
Discipline
Folklife & Traditional Arts
Performing Arts
Regional Requirement
All U.S. States and Territories
DC
DE
MD
NJ
NY
PA
PR
USVI
VA
WV
Questions or need guidance?
Andrew Alness Olson
Program Director, International
Stephanie Reyes
Program Associate, Fellowships and International
Funding support provided by:
  • National Endowment for the Arts Logo. Black copy with a red and blue stacked line running underneath.
  • TMU Logo
  • Mellon Foundation logo mark.