IDEA Opera Grants
IDEA Opera Grants (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) support composers and librettists who identify as African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and/or Native American in the development of new operatic works and the advancement of their careers in the opera industry.
OPERA America believes that different perspectives, cultural histories, life experiences, and personal stories are essential to the contemporary, American opera repertoire. IDEA Opera Grants welcome artists of color into the art form and introduce their voices to producers in the field.
IDEA Opera Grants are supported by the Charles and Cerise Jacobs Charitable Foundation.
Grant Details
IDEA Opera Grants fund the development of new theatrical works for trained voice and instrumental ensemble with awards of $12,500 toward workshops, readings, or other performance-based event, supplemental support to create high-quality, promotional video recordings of the works, and participation at national convenings.
Eligibility: Composer-librettist teams who identify as African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and/or Native American, and have United States citizenship, permanent residence, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status, may apply.
Next Application Cycle
Application available online: | June 2021 |
Intent to apply deadline: | August 11, 2021 |
Full application deadline: | September 22, 2021 |
Adjudication: | October 2021 |
Applicant notification: | November 2021 |
Grant period: | December 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 |
How to Apply
Review the grant guidelines and application worksheets to apply. All applications must be submitted through OPERA America’s grants dashboard.
Guidelines & Worksheets
- 2021–2022 Guidelines (PDF)
- Intent to Apply Questions (PDF)
- Full Application Questions (PDF)
- Budget Template (XLSX)
For questions about applications or eligibility, contact us at Grants@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5236.
Meet the Grantees
2021
Composer | Librettist | Work |
---|---|---|
Maria Thompson Corley | Diana Solomon-Glover | The Boy from Troy |
Pamela Baskin-Watson (also co-librettist) | Nedra Dixon | A GOD • SIB'S TALE: A Folk Opera |
Learn more about grant projects in the press release.
2020
Composer | Librettist | Work |
---|---|---|
Damon Davis | Damon Davis | Ligeia Mare |
Liliya Ugay | Sokunthary Svay | Chhlong Tonle (Crossing the River) |
Learn more about grant projects in the press release.
2019
Composer | Librettist | Work |
---|---|---|
Kui Dong | Monica Datta | Hu Tong (Narrow Alley) |
Daniel Reza Sabzghabaei | Mina Salehpour and Yashar Saghai | The Veil |
Learn more about grant projects in the press release.