Some performing arts disciplines have particular challenges for both presenters and audiences. We have determined that, in addition to general support for touring and presenting in the region, there is a need to develop discipline-specific, multiple-year programs which offer presenting organizations opportunities to acquire deeper knowledge and experience in order to cultivate appreciative and committed audiences. We have developed a series of multi-year projects for professionals in the presenting field to help them address those challenges. The first of these to be rolled out is the Dance Touring Initiative, an intensive professional development program over a three-year period for a group of 10-15 presenters. We successfully completed a first cycle between 2009 and 2012.

Currently, South Arts is inviting performing arts presenters in our nine-state region to submit an application to participate in this programming initiative to support dance presentation. The Dance Touring Initiative is a major effort launched in 2009 to develop stronger dance presentation and audiences for modern dance and contemporary ballet. Presenter participants will receive intensive professional development, peer mentorship, and tour development assistance, as well as substantial touring subsidies during this three-year initiative. The goals of this initiative are to (1) assist presenters in their ability to more effectively present dance by promoting greater understanding and audience engagement; (2) move presenters from sporadic to regular dance presenting; and (3) create a strong network of dance presenters.  The deadline is Monday, April 9, 2012.