USArtists International
About
USArtists International supports performances by U.S. artists at important cultural festivals and arts marketplaces around the globe. Committed to the presence of U.S. based artists on world stages, USArtists International provides grants to ensembles and individual performers in dance, music and theatre invited to perform at significant international festivals and performing arts markets.
USAI encourages and promotes the vibrant diversity of U.S. artists and creative expression in the performing arts by expanding opportunity and exposure to international audiences, encouraging international cultural exchange and enhancing the creative and professional development of U.S. based artists by providing connections with presenters, curators and artists around the world. USAI extends the reach and impact of professional touring artists and ensembles from the United States and is committed to expanded touring opportunities for continued sustainability of U.S. artists.
USAI provides grants of up to $15,000 towards support of artist fees, travel, accommodations, per diem, shipping and visa preparation.
USArtists International is a program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through the generous funding of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Howard Gilman Foundation, and The Trust for Mutual Understanding.
Guidelines
USArtists International Guidelines 2019-2020 (PDF – opens in a new tab)
USArtists International Guidelines 2019-2020 (Word – opens in a new tab)
Work Sample Preparation Guide (Word Version)
USArtists International FAQ
USArtists International Application
Deadlines
The application deadlines for USArtists International (USAI) are:
September 5, 2019 by 11:59 PM Eastern
For projects taking place between December 15, 2019 and December 14, 2020. Certification Sheets and letters of invitation due by September 12, 2019. Application and guidelines available by July 15.
November 22, 2019 by 11:59 PM Eastern
For projects taking place between March 15, 2020 and March 14, 2021. Certification Sheets and letters of invitation due by December 3, 2019.
April 1, 2020 by 11:59 PM Eastern
For projects taking place between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Certification Sheets and letters of invitation due by April 8, 2020.
The 2020-2021 deadlines will be posted in early summer 2020.
To receive deadline reminders and program updates, please sign up for our newsletter.
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 Foundation. 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 Sponsorship 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
Want to learn more? Join us for a webinar!
USArtists International: Am I eligible?
Sign up for the webinar on October 16, 2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT | View a recording
USArtists International: Am I eligible? provides program information for solo artists and performing arts ensembles considering an application to the USArtists International grant program. The webinar highlights updates to the program guidelines. Get a clear idea about who and what type of projects USArtists International funds. New applicants, previous applicants, grantees and others interested in learning more about updates to the USAI program can benefit from this webinar.
USArtists International: Tips and Pointers for Applicants
Sign up for the webinar on August 16, 2:00 – 3:30 PM EDT | View a recording
This webinar is for artists planning to apply for USArtists International. The webinar reviews the online application, the panel process, and provides helpful tips to applicants interested in strengthening their applications and avoid common mistakes.