Organizer Information:

The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) and the Civis Foundation have partnered to launch The Democracy Cycle. This five-year commissioning program supports new works that illuminate the promise, practice, imperfection, and opportunity of democracy.

Title & Description:

Applications are now open for The Democracy Cycle 2026 Open Call.

This program will commission new performing arts works that explore themes relating to the nature, practice, and experience of democracy. While the primary focus is on the United States, global references that deepen the understanding of American democracy are welcome. The works must be intended for live performance and can be at any stage of development, provided they do not premiere before May 1, 2027.

Category:

Performing Arts.

(Theater, dance, music, opera, and multi-disciplinary live performance).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Generative artists aged 18 and older. If applying as a collective, one lead artist must represent the group.
  • Experience: Applicants must have created, completed, and publicly premiered at least two (2) full-length prior works of live performance.
  • Scope: National and International open call (applicants must be prepared to manage the tax implications of a US-based award).
  • Exclusions: Full-time students in degree-granting programs are ineligible (Ph.D. candidates must have completed coursework). Works cannot advocate for a specific partisan candidate or political party. Remounts of previously completed works are not eligible.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Funding: A total of $60,000 USD in support per awarded project.
  • Breakdown: Consists of a $30,000 commission to create the work, plus $30,000 toward the development process (research, readings, workshops, etc.).
  • Volume: At least eight (8) projects will be commissioned in this 2026 round.

Application Fee:

Free.

Application Requirements:

Applications are submitted via Submittable and require:

  1. Project Narrative: A description (3,500 characters OR a 4-minute video/audio) of the core form, audience experience, relation to democracy, and creative approach.
  2. Collaborator Info: CVs and narrative bios for the lead artist and up to 2 main collaborators.
  3. Financials: A detailed project budget for the creation/development process.
  4. Timeline: 7 to 15 major milestones from conception to premiere.
  5. Work Samples: Up to 2 video/audio samples of previously premiered works (cued to 5 minutes max) and optional work-in-progress materials.
  6. References: Contact information for one professional reference.

Key Dates:

  • Info Webinar: February 12, 2026 (1:00 PM ET).
  • Application Deadline: April 28, 2026 (5:00 PM ET).
  • Finalist Review: Fall 2026.
  • Notification: Winter 2027.
  • Premiere Window: Project completion planned for 2027 or 2028 (Cannot premiere before May 1, 2027).

Location:

Global / Remote.

Contact Information:

Email: democracy.cycle@pacnyc.org