Presenter Development Program
Information For Applicants
What the Program Supports
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Presenter Development focuses on performing arts program support for eligible rural presenters, with an emphasis on building confidence, capacity, and long-term viability. Support may include:
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Artist fee and outreach fee assistance
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Programming that increases artistic quality or diversity
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Outreach activities that expand access or reach new audiences
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Efforts to establish a new performing arts series in a community
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Support for rebuilding or expanding an existing series
Funding is intended to complement local investment and planning, not replace it, and is designed to help presenters strengthen their programs over time.
Who the Program Is For
The Presenter Development Program is designed for organizations that are committed to serving rural Montana communities and is open to:
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Rural Montana presenting organizations located outside the state’s seven urban hubs (Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell, Helena, and Butte)
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501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or groups working with a fiscal sponsor
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Emerging arts groups that are in the early stages of building a presenting program or series
The program is particularly well-suited for organizations that are starting something new, rebuilding after a pause, or seeking to strengthen an existing series through more intentional planning and outreach.
How the Program Works
Presenter Development operates through a formal application process and is offered on a seasonal basis.
Eligible organizations apply for support for a defined performance season, allowing presenters to plan intentionally and align funding with their programming goals. Applications are reviewed by a panel with expertise in Montana’s presenting landscape, and awards are made based on artistic quality, community impact, and alignment with program goals.
Detailed eligibility requirements, funding guidelines, timelines, and reporting expectations are provided in the full Presenter Development Program Guidelines.
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FY27 program guidelines and applications will be available in July 2026.
Things to know about the program
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This program supports a maximum of 20% of artist fees and/or 50% of artist outreach fees.
This program depends on state funds from a Montana Cultural Trust legislative grant and the Montana Arts Council: these allocations are not guaranteed, do not sign contracts assuming funds will be available.
Awards will range from a minimum of $300 to a maximum of $2,000.
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Awardees are strongly encouraged to attend MPAC's annual Artist Showcase & Conference. Registration scholarships are available to rural presenting organizations in Montana.