I just got a press release announcing recent awards from Arts International for a program that supports US performing artists at International festivals and that reminds me that it's one of the simplest applications and overall process for grant support I know of. The organization's Web site is <http://www.artsinternational.org>. This program supports expenses of performers from the US (they have to be citizens, or permanent residents) who have been invited to perform at festivals in other countries. There are a few rules: it has to really be a festival, not just a club or other concert venue; and the festival has to provide an official invitation and information about what they've done and/or plan to do, and the artists from the US have to fill out a couple of pages of forms, but otherwise it's pretty straightforward. Of course, every applicant doesn't get funded, but based on recent review cycles the odds have been about 1 out of 4 and if you look at the information about past recipients on the Web site, you'll see that they've supported artists working in a fairly wide range of styles & genres as well as a pretty good mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists. There are three deadlines a year for this program, and the next one is very soon May 2nd. Even if it's not feasible for y'all to apply this time around, keep them in mind for later activities. Good luck and, of course, feel free to let other folks know about this organization. Bests, -- Herb Levy P O Box 9369 Fort Worth, TX 76147 herb@eskimo.com