Arts Exchanges on International Issues
The program works with nonprofit organizations to develop cooperative international group projects that introduce American and foreign participants to each other's cultural
Our projects emphasize the relationship between the arts and broader social and diplomacy issues.
We seek organizations that have a disciplinary expertise in the arts as well as broad outreach and networking capabilities with American artists.
Previous grantee organizations and examples of projects are available from the program office.
The Department of State strives to create a more secure, democratic and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.
Program Accomplishments
Not available at this time.
Uses and Use Restrictions
International projects in the United States or overseas may involve an international exchange of composers, choreographers, playwrights, theater designers, writers and poets, filmmakers, arts administrators and visual artists.
Projects should involve our posts worldwide to carry out activities supportive of the Department of State's mission to increase mutual understanding between the United States and other countries and to promote international cooperation in educational and cultural fields.
Ineligible proposals would include those focusing on: sending students, other youth or individual artists overseas, speaking tours, research projects, the exchange of amateurs or semi-professionals, community-level arts presentations or vocational and technical long-term academic study programs.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants must be public or nonprofit organizations that demonstrate disciplinary expertise in the arts and meet the provisions described in IRS regulation 501 (3).
Organizations must have 4 years of experience in exchange to qualify for grants of more than $60,000.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individual participants must be professional artists and arts administrators over the age of 25. There is no age limit for participants. Some exchanges require participants to have a minimum level of English language ability.
Credentials/Documentation
Specific criteria for the selection of individual participants is determined by the grantee organization in conjunction with the Department of State program officer.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
For open competitions, the request for proposals is published in the Federal Register.
Award Procedures
Funding decisions are at the discretion of the The Department of State's Bureau of Educational And Cultural Affairs and are based on the advice of a panel of Department reviewers and various Department officers. Final technical authority resides with the Bureau's Grants Division.
Deadlines
Deadlines for submission of proposals are established in the request for proposals or letters of solicitation.
Authorization
Public Law 87-256, as amended; 22 U.S.C. 2451, et seq.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Decisions are generally made within 3 months of the submission of proposals, subject to the availability and timing of funding.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Renewal grants for several of our long-term projects have been awarded in the past, in order to build on existing successful projects.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Usually a 30 percent cost-share is requested from grantee organizations.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards range in length from 12 to 36 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly program and financial reports are required.
Audits
All grants are subject to OMB Circular A-133 audits.
Records
As prescribed by USIA in grant terms.
Financial Information
Account Identification
19-0201-0-1-154.
Obigations
FY 07 $1,000,000; FY 08 est not available; FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$60,000 to $300,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Department of State regulations governing exchange visitor (J-1) programs. Guidelines for grants are distributed in conjunction with the request for proposals/letter of solicitation.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Jill Staggs, Creative Arts Exchanges Program, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State, 301 4th Street SW., Washington DC 20547. Telephone: (202) 203-7500.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Programmatic planning, project objectives and quality; organization's capacity and track record; support for diversity; expertise; cost-effectiveness; project evaluation plan; value to US-partner country relations; cost-sharing; and multiplier effect.
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