In our continued effort to enhance Southern arts organizations' capacity through technical assistance and resources, the Southern Arts Federation (SAF), with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, will offer a limited number of professional development travel subsidies for non-profit presenting arts organizations in our nine-state region to attend the 2009 Performing Arts Exchange (PAE), September 23-26 in Norfolk, Virginia.  This program will provide financial support for conference expenses.   Applicants can request funding up to $950 (up to $450 for registration and up to $500 for travel expenses). Awarded funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis only.

• Only NEW (first-time) PAE presenter participants, or presenters who have not attended PAE since 2004 are eligible to apply.  Participation is defined by organizational participation (not individual participation).  For example:  if you have never attended PAE but a representative from your organization attended in 2005, you are NOT eligible to apply.
• Applicants are required to attend the full conference from Wednesday, September 23, 2009 through Saturday, September 26, 2009.  Applicants will be required to attend the New Colleagues Session on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 5:30pm.
• Only not-for-profit presenting organizations in SAF's nine-state region are eligible to apply.  SAF's nine-state region includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
• Individuals who have already registered for PAE are NOT eligible to apply.
• Applications must be RECEIVED by Monday, June 1, 2009.  Funding notifications will be given by June 15, 2009.  NOTE:  This program is based on anticipated funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, which will be confirmed prior to any grant awards. All grant requests are subject to funding availability. 
• Next step, please review guidelines and download application form in the How to Apply Section. Applicants are encouraged to contact Nikki Estes, Program Director - Presenting and Touring, at 404-874-7244 ext. 16 to discuss eligibility prior to submitting an application.