FY26 USArtists International Grantees Announced
Largest Program Application Round Since Launch
Sends 42 Ensemble and Solo Performers to 71 Engagements Worldwide
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Baltimore – July 30, 2026 – Mid Atlantic Arts is thrilled to announce the 42 FY26 USArtists International (USAI) grantees. These ensemble and solo performers will represent the United States at 71 festivals and engagements across the globe. Engagements will take place over six continents, including one engagement in Africa, four in Asia, 50 in Europe, nine in North America, six in Oceania, and one in South America. The recommendations include ensembles from all six of the Regional Arts Organizations’ jurisdictions. Grantees are a mix of emerging and established artists and companies showcasing a diversity of styles within the artistic disciplines of music, dance, theater, and interdisciplinary or solo performances. A total of $331,500 will be awarded. Of the 42 grantees, 19 are receiving their first USAI grant.
USAI supports performances by American artists at important cultural festivals and arts marketplaces around the globe. Committed to the presence of US-based artists on world stages, the program provides grants to ensembles and individual performers in dance, music, and theater invited to perform at significant international festivals. USAI encourages and promotes the vibrant diversity of American artists and creative expression in the performing arts by expanding opportunity and exposure to international audiences, encouraging international cultural exchange, and enhancing creative and professional development of US artists by providing connections with presenters, curators, and artists around the world. USAI extends the reach and impact of professional artists dependent on touring for continued sustainability and career advancement.
USAI is a program of Mid Atlantic Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Trust for Mutual Understanding. It is the only program of its kind in the United States.
Congratulations to the 42 USAI FY2026 grantees!
Alarm Will Sound, NY
Aloft, WI
Amanda Pascali, TX
Beyond This Point Performing Arts Association NFP, IL
Black Diamond, IL
Cleo Reed, NY
Faye Driscoll, NY
Guamanique, Inc., PR
Guevara & Zhelezova Piano Duo, NY
John Ellison and The Carpenter Ants, WV
Kevin Spencer – Artist | Educator, AR
Mivos Quartet, NY
Molly Joyce, VA
Nikki D & The Sisters Of Thunder, OH
Omnium Circus, NY
Riley Mulherkar, WI
Roomful of Teeth, MA
Seffarine, OR
Sensorium Ex Opera Ensemble (VisionIntoArt), NY
Seraph Brass, NC
Teatro Círculo, NY
Thaddeus McWhinnie Phillips & Tatiana Mallarino Perez, NY
The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee, VA
The Other Mozart, NY
Vanessa Sanchez & La Mezcla, CA
W4RP Trio, NY
Yara Arts Group, NY
USAI grantees are selected through a panel process. Mid Atlantic Arts convened four separate panels between April 20 and April 23, including two dance/theater panels and two music panels. Each panel consisted of four experienced artists or arts professionals. For a full list of USAI panelists, click here.
The FY27 USAI program will announce guideline availability and deadlines this summer. Please visit our website for more information on the program timeline and guidelines.
About Mid Atlantic Arts
Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is aligned with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. We combine state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts visit www.midatlanticarts.org
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. Learn more at www.arts.gov.
About the Trust for Mutual Understanding
The Trust for Mutual Understanding awards grants to American nonprofit organizations to support direct exchange in the arts and the environment between professionals from the United States and TMU’s geographic region: the Baltic States; the Caucasus; Central Asia; Central, East, and Southeast Europe. www.tmuny.org
Contact:
Mackenzie Kwok
Communications and Social Media Manager
Mid Atlantic Arts
mkwok@midatlanticarts.org
410.539.6656 x123