IDEA Opera Residencies (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) are designed to support creators of Color living in New York City who are new to opera. The residency provides direct grants, residencies, mentorship, and career support to artists.

This initiative is the first artist residency program offered by OPERA America at its state-of-the-art facility, the National Opera Center in New York.

IDEA Opera Residencies are supported by the Katherine S. and Axel G. Rosin Fund of The Scherman Foundation

Grant Details

IDEA Opera Residencies provide direct grants of $10,000 to explore opera as an artistic medium; a stipend of up to $5,000 in career or promotional support; a one-year residency at OPERA America’s National Opera Center with up to $7,500 in facility and recording services; mentorship from field leaders; and participation at national convenings.

Eligibility: This program is open to composers and librettists who identify with a racial or ethnic heritage of Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, and/or Native American; live in New York City; and have United States citizenship, permanent residence, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status.

Application Cycle

The 2022–2023 IDEA Opera Residencies have been awarded. 

The guidelines and worksheets below, from the 2022–2023 residences, are provided for reference purposes only. 

Grant Guidelines & Worksheets

• 2022–2023 Guidelines (PDF)
• Intent to Apply Questions (PDF)
• Full Application Questions (PDF)

For questions about applications or eligibility, contact us at Grants@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5236.

Meet the Grantees