The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Ashgabat announces an open competition to implement programs focused on visual and performing arts.
The project can address any area, including painting, sculpture, song/vocal performance, dance, music composition, theater and others. The objective of these projects is to promote U.S. culture and values, as well as the principles of equality, inclusion and diversity through artistic media, while helping build up the next generation of artists in Turkmenistan. Projects can involve audiences of diverse levels and ages, from school children to adults, including independent artists.
Project Goal
Facilitate the exchange of artistic practices and cultural preservation methods through joint educational and cultural programs between U.S. and Turkmen artists.
Project Objectives
Conduct project or projects, preferably with children and youth, that would strengthen existing skills, teach new skills, promote international collaboration, and raise the general profile of the United States in Turkmenistan.
Objective 1: Increase awareness and appreciation of U.S. culture and values among Turkmenistan’s youth and artists through exhibitions, festivals or educational and cultural events.
Objective 2: Strengthen visual and artistic skills of Turkmenistan’s artists and youth through workshops, training programs and mentorship opportunities.
Objective 3: Equip Turkmenistan’s artists with skills and resources to practice and effectively showcase Turkmen traditional art forms.
Objective 4: Facilitate joint collaborative initiatives among and between Turkmenistan’s and U.S. artists that showcase cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Funding Information
Total available funding: $100,000
Award amounts: awards may be up to a maximum of $50,000
Length of performance period: Each project will last anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 month.
Number of awards anticipated: 1-3 awards (dependent on amounts)
Anticipated program start date: September 2024.
Project Audience(s)
Students from local art and music schools (children and teenagers) based in Ashgabat and other cities in Turkmenistan;
Turkmen State Conservatory and Institute of Culture students (teenagers and youth), based in Ashgabat
Young performers (musicians, singers, actors) seeking to develop their skills, based in Ashgabat and other cities in Turkmenistan.
Eligibility Criteria
The following not-for-profit U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply:
Not-for-profit organizations
Civil society/non-governmental organizations
Public and private educational institutions
For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
