USArtists International
Introduction
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:
- Artist Eligibility
- Festival/Performing Arts Market Eligibility
- 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.
Guidelines and Application
Guidelines, Work Sample Prep, Narrative Preview, and FAQ’s
- USArtists International Guidelines 2023 – 2024 (PDF – opens in a new tab)
- USArtists International Guidelines 2023 – 2024 (Word – opens in a new tab)
- Work Sample Preparation Guide (PDF - opens in a new tab)
- Work Sample Preparation Guide (Word – opens in a new tab)
- Narrative Question Preview (PDF - opens in a new tab)
- Narrative Question Preview (Word - opens in a new tab)
- USArtists International FAQ
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.
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
Resources and FAQ's
Manage Your Grant
Learn more about managing your USArtists International grant.