Center Stage

Overview

Center Stage was a cultural exchange program that invited performing artists from select countries to tour U.S. communities. The program identified, prepared, and toured young, excellent, contemporary professional performing arts groups from abroad to diverse American communities.

Program Impact

• Hosted 337 artists in 47 dance, music, and theatre ensembles from 17 countries: Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Tanzania, Ukraine, and Vietnam
• 33 companies made their U.S. debut with Center Stage
• Traveled more than 202,000 cumulative miles, visiting 119 communities in 38 states and Washington, DC
• Reached more than 196,000 people through 459 performances and 995 off stage activities
• Hosted 18 journalists from Argentina, Armenia, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Ukraine to share their experiences embedded with a Center Stage tour

Program Duration

Center Stage ran for eight seasons, beginning in 2012 and concluding in 2025.

Administration

The program was initiated by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, produced by the New England Foundation for the Arts, with general management provided by Lisa Booth Management, inc.