Performing Arts Discovery — Applications are Open!

PAD is an International Showcase Opportunity for U.S.-Based Performing Artists Ready to Tour

Applications for the 2022-23 cycle of the Performing Arts Discovery (PAD) program are open!

PAD offers an exciting international virtual showcase opportunity for U.S.-based performing artists who are ready to tour internationally.

The PAD Showcase initiative introduces international presenters to U.S.-based performing artists and companies, aiming to generate overseas touring opportunities.

25 artists/ensembles will be selected for this year’s cohort by a diverse panel of peers from across the country. Those selected will each receive support from an expert video production team to create a professionally produced live performance video, which PAD will promote and showcase to international markets.

2021 PAD artist, Staycee Pearl & Soy Sos; image credit: Steve Pisano

Applications are open to music, dance, and theatre artists/ensembles with a demonstrated capacity to tour internationally.

Applications opened on November 1 and will close on January 6, 2023 at 11:59pm. PAD encourages those who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ to apply.

You can see the work of the 2021-22 PAD cohort here.

PAD was launched in 2015 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The program, which is funded by the NEA and the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), is managed by WAA on behalf of the US Regional Arts Organizations.

More information is available at the PAD webpage and questions can be directed to WAA’s PAD Program Manager, Lucero Cortez, at lcortez@westarts.org.

Spread the word — access the PAD Showcase promotional toolkit here.