Performing Arts Center Commits $1.5 Million to Fund Artists Reflecting on Representative Government
Starting today (Tuesday, January 16), the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the World Trade Center will begin accepting applications from artists to develop works across the domains of theater, opera, dance, and music that explore themes relating to “the nature, practice, and experience of democracy.” Designated the Democracy Cycle, this project is being launched in partnership with Galvan Initiatives, a non-profit organization that fosters cultural expression about civic engagement.
The Democracy Cycle seeks to commission works by 25 separate artists, and will fund each project with $60,000—half as a commission to the artist and half allocated to project development.
“We share a belief in the importance of artistic and cultural expressions that foster civic responsibility and participation,” says PAC artistic director Bill Rauch. “Performing artists are uniquely equipped to strengthen our understanding of what it means to live in a democratic society. The works generated by this commissioning program will both entertain and enlighten, create empathy and understanding, provoke questions, and open doors to other points of view.”
Artists submitting proposals are asked to identify and respond to ideas related to democracy, including principles and values such as political equality, majority rule, minority rights, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion.
The project is expected to commission at least eight new projects over each of the next three years. The first open call, beginning today, closes on April 1. For more information or to apply, click here.