The Democracy Cycle 2026 Open Call
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Over a 5-year period, The Democracy Cycle – a collaboration between the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) and Civis Foundation – will commission and develop 25 new performing arts works across the fields of theater, dance, music, opera, and multidisciplinary performance that explore themes related to the nature, practice, and experience of democracy, particularly as it is practiced in the United States. Each commissioned project will receive a total award of $60,000 USD, consisting of $30,000 to create the new work and an additional $30,000 in support of the work's development (research, readings, workshops etc.).
To apply, please answer the below questions, fill in your projected development budget, and upload your resume/CV and work samples.
We recommend referencing The Democracy Cycle's home page on PAC NYC's website while filling out this application. This website contains Submission Guidelines for completing this application, the review timelines, answers to frequently asked questions or FAQs, and more.
See also the Resources section at the bottom of this page.
Deadline: this application will be open until Tuesday, April 28, 2026 before 5:00 PM ET. The Democracy Cycle does not accept late applications. To avoid encountering any technical difficulties that prevent you from completing your application we strongly recommend that you have all your material uploaded and your application finished and submitted by or before April 20, 2026.
Technical Questions regarding Submittable? Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.
Resources for The Democracy Cycle:
- The Democracy Cycle page on the PAC NYC website where you may find:
- The Democracy Cycle Request for Proposals as a downloadable PDF
- The Democracy Cycle Submission Guidelines
- The Democracy Cycle frequently-asked-questions or FAQs. (FAQs will be updated as new questions arise.)
- Sign up for a one-on-one eligibility consultation via Calendly
- Attend the webinar / info session February 12, 2026, 1:00pm ET. Registration information is available on The Democracy Cycle homepage and the webinar will be recorded and posted on The Democracy Cycle homepage
- The Democracy Cycle Submission Guidelines as a downloadable PDF
- Email democracy.cycle@pacnyc.org with any questions not answered in the Submission Guidelines, on the website, in the webinar, or in the FAQs. Please allow at least 7 business days for a reply.
Reminder, the deadline is: April 28, 2026, before 5:00 PM ET = Deadline for the 2026 Open Call