As a key feature of ArtsMarket, juried showcases provide selected artists and ensembles with an opportunity to demonstrate their work in a professional setting to talent buyers. ArtsMarket showcases are scheduled not to overlap with any other conference activities, so all delegates have the opportunity to attend all performances.

Presenter delegates come from all parts of North Carolina and the Southeastern region and represent a wide variety of arts organizations and venues, including small concert associations, colleges and universities, mid- and large-size performing arts centers, and everything in between. Many of them look to ArtsMarket to book a significant part of their future seasons. In addition to the showcase performances, networking opportunities are abundant in the exhibit hall and at other scheduled conference activities.

Performing artists of ALL disciplines are encouraged to apply (music, dance, theatre, children’s/educational, magic, comedy, variety, etc.). We are committed to presenting a wide range of performances, though the final slate of showcase artists depends on the number, type, and quality of applications received.

Juried showcases take place in Fletcher Hall in the historic Carolina Theatre of Durham and are 15 minutes in length. We do not facilitate independent showcases.

Showcase artists will be featured in 15-minute showcases on stage in Fletcher Hall at the Carolina Theatre of Durham (www.carolinatheatre.org). To respect the work of all showcase artists, we strictly adhere to time limits. No more than 5 minutes will be allowed for setup and change-over. ArtsMarket will provide the following to showcase artists:

<b>Sound</b> – A full FOH and monitor sound system will be provided for showcasing artists. This will include FOH and monitor consoles with operators, monitor wedges, microphones, and cabling. This will be set up and operated in a “Festival Style”.

<b>Lighting</b> – A general static wash will be available. This will be preset and cannot be modified for showcases. If you have any special lighting needs such as black lights, blackouts, etc., please indicate these in your application.

<b>Backline</b> – A standard main stage backline package will be provided, including: an acoustic drum kit, electric piano, synthesizer, two guitar amplifiers, and a bass amplifier/cabinet. This equipment is provided as a convenience to the artists and to assist in keeping showcases running smoothly and on time. Use of artist-provided drum kits will not be allowed. Showcases utilizing the drum kit will have a maximum of 15 minutes prior to their showcase to adjust the drums off-stage during other showcases. Specific models of equipment to be offered will be finalized and included in the contract/technical specification sent to presenting performers.

<b>Piano</b> – A tuned 6’ or 7’ grand piano will be available for use during main stage showcases.

<b>Sound Check</b> – Performers must be available three hours prior to the beginning of their showcase to run a brief sound check/stage setup and to review final needs with the technical staff and stage manager. Each sound check will be limited to a maximum of 15 minutes. All showcasing artists will be notified in advance of their load-in/sound check schedule.

<b>Dressing Rooms</b> – Facility dressing rooms are provided, but may be limited and must be shared with fellow performers.

The ArtsMarket Technical Director will work closely with showcase artists to best meet their needs, but certain modifications may be necessary due to time constraints and production flow. Only technical staff provided by ArtsMarket may operate equipment during the juried showcases, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.

Showcase artists will be selected through a two-part jury process governed by the North Carolina Arts Council. Panels are composed of experienced presenters, artists, and other arts professionals from across the state who represent diverse communities, genres, and expertise.

Artistic quality, professional touring capability, and quality of media and promotional materials are primary factors determining the selection of showcase artists. Beyond these essential ingredients, the selection panel will take into consideration the following criteria to create the overall showcase program:

• Diversity of art forms
• Racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity
• Range of fees to accommodate presenters of varying budgets and venue sizes
• Mix of North Carolina and out-of-state performers
• Mix of artist representation and management (usually no more than two artists represented by a single agency/manager will be recommended to perform)
• Preference to artists who did not showcase at ArtsMarket 2017

Application materials and showcases should reflect the performance to be toured, and any changes to configuration must be proposed for consideration by ArtsMarket staff as early as possible prior to the conference.

NEW THIS YEAR: Should your application not be selected for a full showcase, it can be considered for a shorter, low-tech selection. These “Spotlight” or “Speed Pitches” will be chosen based on the selection committee’s review of the applications. To be considered, check the Yes box under "Alternate Performance" in the Showcase Info Task.

Complete applications must be submitted and the non-refundable application fee paid by 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

Applicants will be notified of their status in June or July.

Applications to showcase at the ArtsMarket 2019 conference will be accepted through May 1, 2019. Late applications will not be accepted. All applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of $50 per application, which is required by credit card at time of submission.

If selected, showcase artists must:

• Pay a $150 production fee (in addition to the application fee).
• Be available on Monday, November 4, Tuesday, November 5, and/or Wednesday, November 6 to perform in Durham, NC. Showcase times are assigned by conference management, based on performance technical needs. Special requests will be considered but accommodation is not guaranteed.
• Be represented in the Exhibit Hall (individual or agent/management representation). Exhibitor registration is required (see fees on website) and opens online at www.ncpresenters.org as soon as showcase artists are selected.
• Complete and return the showcase contract and technical production form by the deadline indicated on the notification.

ArtsMarket does not facilitate independent showcases. Independent showcases are prohibited from being arranged or scheduled at any time concurrent with official conference activities, and are not permitted in any space on the Carolina Theatre, Durham Marriott or Durham Convention Center premises at any time during the three days of the conference.

Membership in North Carolina Presenters Consortium is not required to attend, showcase, or otherwise participate in ArtsMarket.

ArtsMarket reserves the right to use showcasing artists’ submitted images and content for the promotion of North Carolina Presenters Consortium and the ArtsMarket conference.

This application does not represent a commitment by ArtsMarket, North Carolina Presenters Consortium, or the North Carolina Arts Council to provide a showcase.