the democracy cycle

The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) and Galvan Initiatives (Galvan) are pleased to announce the launch of The Democracy Cycle, a new commissioning program designed to support new works that illuminate the promise, practice, imperfection, and opportunity of democracy.

Proposals are requested for new performing arts works following that theme from artists working in theater, dance, music, opera, and multi-disciplinary performance.

What is The Democracy Cycle?

Over a five-year period, The Democracy Cycle will commission and develop 25 new performing arts works across the fields of theater, dance, music, opera, and multi-disciplinary performance. The commissioned works, to be selected over the course of three annual Rounds of Open Calls, this current call explores themes relating to the nature, practice, and experience of democracy.

Our hope is that projects commissioned as part of The Democracy Cycle will enrich and expand the discussion around and participation in democracy – be it in the national, state, regional, or hyperlocal community realm – as it is practiced both within the United States and worldwide.

The Cycle will provide a $30,000 commission to each awarded project. The Cycle will also provide an additional $30,000 towards each commissioned project’s development process (research, readings, workshops etc.). The commissions will be awarded across three annual Open Calls, beginning in January 2024. In the first Open Call, The Democracy Cycle will commission eight projects.