Deadline: 16 May 2025
The International Society for the Performing Arts’ (ISPA) Global Fellowship provides one-year access to ISPA’s extensive international network of arts professionals to mid-career leaders from the global performing arts community, with particular attention paid to applicants from the Global South.
Participants join the ISPA membership and participate in the New York ISPA Congress, where they engage in the development and exchange of ideas with leaders from some of the world’s most significant presenting organizations, performing arts organizations, creative producers/arts managers, cultural policy groups, foundations, festivals and related professionals. This opportunity is intended for those working in the management of the professional performing arts.
Benefits
- One-year ISPA membership with access to all member benefits
- Full Pass registration to the ISPA 2026 New York Congress (January 13 – 15, 2026)
- Travel subsidy which may include per diem, flights, and accommodation to support expenses related to attending the congress
- Introduction to a current ISPA member who will welcome the Fellow to ISPA and help facilitate their participation as part of ISPA’s Community Building Program
Key Components
- ISPA Membership
- Fellows gain access to all member benefits including exclusive content on the ISPA website, newsletters, and social media.
- New York ISPA Congress
- Fellows attend the New York Congress where they engage with leaders from the world’s most significant arts organizations.
- Community Building Program
- At the New York Congress, each new Fellow is paired with a current ISPA member who welcomes them and helps facilitate their participation.
- Fellows Seminar Day
- Fellows attend a one-day Seminar prior to the New York Congress where they learn through a series of peer-to-peer conversations and workshops.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Global Fellowship Program seeks to engage leaders working in the management of all professional performing arts. ISPA accepts applicants from all regions of the world, with more than half of Fellowships typically awarded to applicants from the Global South.
- Applicants must:
- Be currently employed/working in the professional performing arts
- Have a minimum of seven (7) years professional experience in the performing arts field
- Demonstrate a need for financial assistance
- Ability to fully participate in the ISPA 2026 New York Congress (January 13 – 15, 2026)
- Have received no more than two ISPA Global Fellowships in the past (applicants are eligible for up to three one-year Fellowships)
- Participants must have a strong working knowledge of English to successfully participate in the Global Fellowship.
For more information, visit ISPA.
