The Mid Atlantic Tours program, managed by Mid Atlantic Arts, provides financial support to presenters in the Mid-Atlantic region who engage artists from the program’s roster. The program subsidizes up to 50% of the artist’s compensation, including fees, housing, per diem, and travel. Additional financial support of up to $2,000 is available for eligible expenses such as technical personnel, audience development, accessibility improvements, and marketing. Presenters must negotiate directly with tour managers and submit a brief application, as funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is not competitively adjudicated, but funding allocations are determined by Mid Atlantic Arts staff in collaboration with tour managers.

The purpose of the grant is to support cultural engagement through live performances and other community-centered activities. Presenters must host at least two distinct engagement activities featuring the artist, one of which must be a public performance of at least 30 minutes. Additional activities may include workshops, master classes, lecture demonstrations, or discussions. The program prioritizes geographic diversity, small and mid-sized presenters, rural communities, and engagements that align with the artist’s tour goals.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or local government units, and federally recognized tribal governments located in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia. The grant requires a 1:1 match, which cannot include federal funds. Fiscal sponsorship is not permitted. Presenters can receive up to two awards per cycle if both engagements meet program guidelines.

Applications require a Letter of Agreement between the presenter and the tour manager, outlining the artist’s compensation, engagement details, and accessibility planning. Mid Atlantic Arts invites eligible presenters to submit an official application in May 2025. Required components include a narrative description of engagement activities and a budget. The program places emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, encouraging presenters to consider community barriers and implement strategies to address them.

The application deadline for the 2025-2026 cycle is March 27, 2025, with the touring period running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Award recipients receive full payment 30 days before their first engagement, contingent on submission of required documentation. A final report is due within 30 days of the engagement’s completion. The program receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional funding for international roster artists provided by Ibermúsicas.

For assistance, presenters can contact Sarah Lewitus, Performing Arts & Accessibility Coordinator, at slewitus@midatlanticarts.org or (410) 539-6656 x110. Questions related to international artists can be directed to Andrew Alness Olson, Program Director for International, at andrew@midatlanticarts.org or (410) 539-6656 x103.