$60,000 commission for new performance work
The Democracy Cycle 2026 Open Call, led by PAC NYC and Civis Foundation, invites proposals for new performing arts works exploring themes related to democracy. The program commissions projects across theater, dance, music, opera, and multidisciplinary performance.
Over a five-year period, the initiative supports the creation of new works that engage democratic ideas through artistic practice.
Opportunity Snapshot – Artist Funding
What: The Democracy Cycle 2026 Open Call
Who: Generative artists working in performing arts
Where: New York City, USA
Award / Support: $60,000 total support per project
Application Opens: February 9, 2026
Deadline: April 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET
Official Link: https://pacnyc.org/the-democracy-cycle
About the Opportunity – Artist Funding
The Democracy Cycle is a commissioning program developed by PAC NYC and Civis Foundation to support new performing arts works engaging themes of democracy. The program will commission and develop 25 new works over five years.
The 2026 Open Call is one of three annual rounds and will commission at least eight projects. Selected artists receive financial support to create and develop new performance work.
What Is Offered – Artist Funding
- $60,000 total support per project
- $30,000 commission
- $30,000 for development (research, readings, workshops)
Who Should Apply
- Generative artists creating new work in theater, dance, music, opera, or multidisciplinary performance
- Artists with 2 or more completed and presented works
- Artists not currently enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program
- Artists aged 18 or older
- Artists proposing a new project not yet premiered and not planned to premiere before May 1, 2027
- Artists proposing a live performance project to be completed in 2027 or 2028
- Open to U.S. and international artists
Timeline – Artist Funding
Deadline: April 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET
Why This Opportunity Matters
This commission provides substantial funding for new performance work along with dedicated support for development. For artists working in contemporary and interdisciplinary performance, it offers resources to develop ambitious projects at scale.
Apply
https://pacnyc.org/the-democracy-cycle/#application-details
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