Baltimore, MD - November 19, 2008 - Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation announces the availability of guidelines for the 2009/2010 cycle of ArtsCONNECT, a program that supports performing arts tours through presenter consortia in the mid- Atlantic region.

ArtsCONNECT provides access to high quality live performing arts engagements to audiences across the mid-Atlantic region. The program also encourages a deeper understanding of artists' work through support of activities that enhance the concert experience. Participating presenting organizations must be located in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In 2008-2009, ArtsCONNECT provided $396,090 in support of 12 touring artists visiting 62 communities in the mid-Atlantic region. Tours included: Adrienne Young and Band, The Ahn Trio, Ballet Hispanico, Eiko and Koma, Hot 8 Brass Band, Kathy Mattea, Kronos Quartet, The Living Word Project/Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Pilobolus, Ragamala Music and Dance Theater, Rennie Harris Puremovement, and the String Trio of New York.

Guidelines for ArtsCONNECT are available by clicking here. The deadline for the program is March 30, 2009 for projects taking place between July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010.

ArtsCONNECT is made possible through major funding from the National Endowment for the Arts' Regional Performing Arts Touring Program with additional support from Capezio/Ballet Makers Dance Foundation.

Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation supports the richness and diversity of the region’s arts resources and promotes wider access to the art and artists of the region, nation and world. To learn more about MAAF, its programs and services, visit our Web site at www.midatlanticarts.org