NW New Works 2026 Application
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 | 11:59pm PST
Festival Artists Notification: end of January, 2026
Festival Show Dates: June 4 — 6, 2026 | 7pm
Questions or feedback? Email us at nwnw@ontheboards.org
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 2026 NWNW Festival will feature seven new works, curated by Rana San (intermedia artist and curator), ILVS STRAUSS (multidisciplinary artist and NWNW 2025 participant), and Parmida Ziaei (multidisciplinary artist and designer).
The Details
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.
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, broken glass, aerial, or elements that could risk the safety of artists or audience.
The application is an open call, and seven works will be chosen by the three curators from the applicant pool. Applicants will be notified by the end of January 2026. 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.
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 Space
Seven works will be selected to perform in the Merrill Theater, a large proscenium theater with raked seating, and a sprung floor with black marley. Performances will be presented in the Merrill Theater Friday through Saturday.
Questions or feedback? Email us at nwnw@ontheboards.org
