Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives

Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives (MAPI)

Program Guidelines 2026-2027

Support for public performances and community engagement projects presented by small and mid-sized arts organizations across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Application Deadline
April 30, 2026
Project Period
Sept. 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2027
Grant Amount
Up to 50% of artist's fee (max $5,000)
Additional Support
Up to $2,000 (eligible states only)
Budget Limit
Under $3 million*
Required Activities
At least 1 Public Performance (In-person or virtual)
+
At least 1 Community Engagement Activity

Accessibility

To request accommodation during any phase of your application process, reach out to Program Director, Performing Arts and Accessibility Coordinator Sarah Lewitus at slewitus@midatlanticarts.org or call 410-539-6656 X 110.

Can I Apply?

  • Your organization is located in an eligible Mid-Atlantic state or jurisdiction.
  • You are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) or eligible government entity.
  • Your operating budget is under $3 million.*
  • You have a valid SAM.gov UEI.
  • You are in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts.
  • You are applying to only ONE eligible Mid Atlantic Arts opportunity this cycle.
Exception

*Organizations that participated in ArtsCONNECT or Special Presenter Initiatives during FY24–FY26 may still qualify even if their operating budget exceeds $3 million.

What Projects Qualify?

Required Performance

At least one public performance that is open to the general public.

Community Engagement

Workshop, masterclass, residency, panel discussion, Q&A, lecture, or similar activity.

Project Dates

Activities must occur between September 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027.

Not Eligible

Fundraisers and performances that primarily serve non-public audiences.

Funding Available

Organization Location Artist Fee Support Additional Expenses
DC, DE, PR, USVI, WV Up to 50% (maximum $5,000) Up to $2,000
MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA Up to 50% (maximum $5,000) Not available
Matching Requirement
  • Minimum request: $1,000
  • 1:1 match required
  • Federal funds cannot be used as matching funds

Application Checklist

  • Confirm eligibility
  • Select your artist/company
  • Prepare the Letter of Intent
  • Finalize your project budget
  • Confirm your UEI number
  • Gather required documents
  • Complete online application
  • Submit before April 30, 2026

Application Process

1. Register or log in to our Application Portal

Click here to go to Smart simple

2. Collect Support Materials

Follow the instructions in SmartSimple and use the provided checklist. Make sure to apply within the required deadlines.

3. Get Artists Consent

Share the specific plans and activities of a proposal with the artist and the artist’s representative for transparency.

How Applications Are Reviewed

Mission Impact

Clear connection to your organization's mission and achievable planning.

Artistry

High artistic quality and meaningful creative work.

Community Benefit

Meaningful engagement with local communities.

Access

Thoughtful efforts to reduce barriers and reach underserved audiences.

Timeline

April 30 Application Deadline
May–July Panel Review
Late July Award Notifications
Sept. 1 Projects Begin
Dec. 31, 2027 Projects Complete
30 Days Later Final Report Due

Other Opportunities

In addition to the eligibility requirements listed above, organizations may only apply for one of the following opportunities for the 2026-2027 cycle:

• Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives

• Folk & Traditional Arts Community Projects

• Central Appalachia Living Traditions (CALT)

Reach out to the Program Director for these programs to discuss your questions about which program is the best fit for your project in this cycle.

Glossary

The following definitions explain six of the most important terms used throughout the Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives (MAPI) Guidelines.

Term Definition
Presenter A nonprofit or government organization that financially compensates an independent artist or performing arts company to present public performances and community engagement activities. Organizations that only produce their own artistic work or perform as their own ensemble are not eligible under this definition.
Community Engagement Activity An activity that connects artists with the community beyond the performance itself. Examples include workshops, artist talks, master classes, panel discussions, residencies, exhibitions, question-and-answer sessions, and interactive online events. Every MAPI project must include at least one community engagement activity.
Public Performance An in-person or virtual performance that is open to the general public. It is a required component of every funded project. Activities intended primarily for schools, camps, senior centers, or other non-public audiences do not satisfy this requirement.
Virtual Performance An online public presentation by an artist or group of artists that is streamed live or made available as a pre-recorded event for public viewing.
Eligible Expenses Direct project costs that may be supported through the grant, including artist fees, travel, lodging, technical personnel, marketing, audience development, accessibility services, equipment rental, and project-specific consulting. Grant funds may not be used for indirect costs or general operating expenses.
1:1 Match Requirement Every grant dollar awarded by Mid Atlantic Arts must be matched with an equal amount of non-federal funding. Neither the grant funds nor the matching funds may come directly or indirectly from federal sources.

Need Help?

Sarah Lewitus
Program Director, Performing Arts

📧 slewitus@midatlanticarts.org
☎ 410-539-6656 x110