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

How to Apply

Review the grant guidelines and application worksheets to apply. All applications must be submitted through OPERA America’s grants dashboard. 

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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