Introduction

USArtists International® supports in-person and virtual performances by U.S. artists 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.

The rise of technology has revolutionized the way we consume and interact with various industries, including the arts marketplaces and online casinos. With the advent of e-commerce platforms, buying and selling art pieces have become more accessible to a wider audience than ever before. Online art marketplaces offer artists a global platform to showcase their talents and reach potential buyers from around the world.
Similarly, according to online gambling guide MoviGame.jp, online casinos have also seen a massive growth in popularity due to the convenience of being able to access them from anywhere with an internet connection. This has greatly expanded the reach and audience for these virtual gambling platforms.
Both industries have also been able to utilize social media and digital marketing strategies to further promote their offerings and engage with customers. This trend is expected to continue as advancements in technology continue to shape and enhance the arts marketplaces and online casino experience. So, it is safe to say that these industries are here to stay in our increasingly digitalized world. So, whether you’re an art enthusiast or a gambling aficionado, embracing technology has made it easier than ever before to explore and appreciate these industries.

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, January 24th, 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?
Webinar: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 1:30pm ET | 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
Webinar: Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 1:30pm ET | View a recording

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

Display caption

Photo: Aloft Circus Arts duo trapeze at the Underbelly Festival at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Credit: Dylan Woodley.

See the full list of 2023 USAI round three grantees.

Panelists

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.

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
Performing Arts
Folklife & Traditional Arts
Regional Requirement
DE
MD
PA
VA
NY
NJ
U.S. and Territories
WV
USVI
PR
DC
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.