Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives

The Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives (MAPI) program, administered by Mid Atlantic Arts, provides grant funding to support performing arts presentations and community engagement across a broad region encompassing Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia, and the Native nations within this geography. This initiative expands upon the former Special Presenter Initiatives program, previously limited to select jurisdictions, by now supporting a wider range of applicants throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The program emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and support for communities historically underserved by the arts. MAPI is designed to fund presenters—defined as organizations that compensate external artists or companies for performances and engagement activities within their communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of state or local government, and Federally recognized Indian tribal governments, provided they are based within the eligible jurisdictions. Organizations must have an annual operating budget at or below $3 million, although those who applied to Mid Atlantic Arts’ ArtsCONNECT or Special Presenter Initiatives in fiscal years 2024 through 2026 are eligible to apply in 2026-2027 even if their budgets exceed this threshold. Organizations must also possess a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov and be in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts. The program offers financial support for projects that include at least one public in-person or virtual performance and one community engagement activity, such as lectures, masterclasses, residencies, or digital sessions. Organizations in DC, DE, PR, USVI, and WV may request a fee subsidy of up to 50% of the negotiated artist fee, capped at $5,000, plus up to $2,000 in eligible project expenses including technical support, accessibility accommodations, marketing, or public health measures. Applicants in MD, NJ, NY, PA, and VA may request only the 50% subsidy, with a cap of $5,000. A 1:1 match is required for all funding, and no Federal funds may be used as part of the match. Applications must be submitted via Mid Atlantic Arts’ online portal by Thursday, April 30, 2026. Required materials include a countersigned letter of intent with the artist, outlining performance dates, fees, and project scope. Additional documentation is required for government entities. Final reports are due within 30 days of the project’s end. All proposed activities must occur between September 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027. Fundraising events are not eligible activities, and performances for non-public audiences (e.g., schools) do not qualify as the public engagement component, though they may be included as supplemental activities. A panel of performing arts professionals will review applications using four equally weighted criteria: mission impact, artistic excellence, community benefit, and access. The adjudication process considers equitable distribution of funds across the region. Award notifications are expected by the end of June 2026. Mid Atlantic Arts provides multiple opportunities for prospective applicants to engage, including webinars and open office hours, and applicants are encouraged to consult Program Director Sarah Lewitus for support throughout the process. The program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts’ Regional Engagement Program and reflects Mid Atlantic Arts’ ongoing mission to ensure access to meaningful, artistically rigorous programming across diverse communities in the mid-Atlantic region.

Demonstrate clear mission alignment, accessibility, and strong artistic value; prioritize underserved audience engagement.