The Maine Arts Commission shall encourage the development, production and exhibition of live performative arts. These include the disciplines of, theater, dance, music, opera, circus/ vaudeville, performance art, eco-art, interventions and other live art forms.
The Portland Symphony Orchestra at Merrill Auditorium
Agency Resources
Maine has a rich culture for live performance with numerous professional venues and world class festival. The Maine Arts Commission is a central resource for information for both artists and audiences alike. In addition to offering grants that support the performing arts, the agency collaborates with other state agencies and private partners to encourage vibrant performance events within the state.
Grants Support
Financial support for performing arts can come from several different agency grants. Individual artists should consider The Innovative Production Grant, The Arts Visibility Grant, The Contemporary Art Good Idea Grant, and the Individual Artist Fellowship in Media and Performing Arts. Performing arts organizations can apply to The Innovative Production Grant and The Arts Visibility Grant, as well as the Artists in Maine Communities Grant, Great Works, SMART, and Ticket to Ride. All agency grants can be accessed from the grants page
Other local and regional organizations offer programs that support the performing arts. These include the Maine Community Foundation and The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA)
Maine Performs! Initiative
Maine Performs! is an initiative that was started by a performing arts consortium with support and endorsement by the Maine Arts Commission and the Maine Office of Tourism. The purpose of the initiative is to promote the entire performing arts sector in Maine through the collective strength of the group. A campaign to build awareness around music, dance, theatre and film within the state has been developed. More information can be found at the Maine Performs page.
International Touring
Maine shares an international border with the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Québec and has active partnerships with countries throughout the world. The state of Maine actively supports the international exchange of culture and has created a list of resources for Maine artists wishing to tour and foreign artists wishing to work in Maine. (International Touring Details).
For more information please contact the Media Arts and Performing Arts Associate at the Maine Arts Commission. Kerstin Gilg, 207/ 287-6719 - kerstin.gilg@maine.gov