Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 17:00 EDT.
Applications are now open for the 2026 ISPA’s Global Fellowship Program. ISPA’s Fellowship Program was created to provide emerging and mid-career performing arts professionals with the opportunity to expand their international networks through membership and attendance at ISPA Congresses. The Fellows represent all disciplines, genres, and types of arts organizations.
- 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.
Eligibility:
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 2027 New York Congress (January 12 – 14, 2027)
- Have received no more than two ISPA Global Fellowships in the past (applicants are eligible for up to three one-year Fellowships)
Please note: For the purpose of ISPA’s Global Fellowship, the professional performing arts includes individuals working principally in the management of the arts and culture sector either with organizations/ institutions or as independent producers/ managers. Generally those working in academia, education, community organizations, and independent artists are not eligible.
Fellowship 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.
Fellows receive:
- One-year ISPA membership with access to all member benefits
- Full Pass registration to the ISPA 2027 New York Congress (January 12 – 14, 2027)
- 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
Program dates:
ISPA would like to thank the Mellon Foundation and the many donors who make this program possible.
- ISPA Membership (2027) September 2026 – December 2027
- ISPA 2027 New York Congress January 12 – 14, 2027
- Fellows Seminar Day January 11, 2027
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the ISPA’s Global Fellowship Program
