The Details

Since 1983, the NW New Works Festival (NWNW) has been a vibrant celebration of artists from all performance disciplines, showcasing the dynamic arts community of the Pacific Northwest. This festival directly supports artists in developing their practices, while creating and presenting new works.

The 2025 NWNW Festival will be curated by Kemi Adeyemi (professor, writer, dramaturg), Roya Amirsoleymani (curator, writer, producer), and Fox Whitney (artist, writer, producer). NWNW will feature eight new works performed across the two stages at OtB over three days, June 12-14, 2025.

Who can apply

Artists or artist collectives who reside in the Northwest. This is an informal geographic region, and we encourage artists to self-define. Please note that the festival does not cover travel, accommodations, or international VISAs. We do not accept applications from other non-profit organizations or commercial entities. 

The application is an open call, and eight works will be chosen by the three curators from the applicant pool. Applicants will be notified in February 2025.On the Boards will provide festival artists with existing in-house light and sound equipment, staff support, an honorarium of $1500 USD, an expense stipend of $500 USD, professional development sessions with OtB staff, and up to 20 hours of rehearsal time at On the Boards.

Selection Criteria

All works must be performance-based. On the Boards has a tradition of presenting dance, theater, music, and interdisciplinary works, and supports a broad definition of such mediums. That being said, we will not accept applications for projects that are primarily visual art, exhibition, or installation based. Works proposed must be new, no more than 20 minutes in length, and must be appropriate for production as part of a festival. Projects may not involve minors, fire, thrown glitter, aerial, or elements that could risk the safety of artists or audience.

The curators will be looking for the following selection criteria:

• Compelling artistic practice, that adds to the fabric of NW performance

• Proposed work has relevant artistic goals and advances the artist's practice

• Participation in festival advances artistic development and/or festival's new work goals

The Spaces

Four works will be selected to perform in the Studio Theater, an intimate black box theater with riser seating, and a sprung floor with black marley. Participants selected to perform in the Studio Theater will perform Thursday through Saturday, 

Four works will be selected to perform in the Merrill Theater, a large proscenium theater with raked seating, and a sprung floor with black marley. Participants selected to perform in the Merrill Theater will perform Friday through Saturday.