Montana Performing Arts Consortium now accepting applications for October 2024 artist showcase

Press release

GREAT FALLS — The Montana Performing Arts Consortium — MPAC — will hold its next Annual Showcase and Conference Oct. 11-13 at the Mansfield Center for Performing Arts in Great Falls.

MPAC is now accepting showcase applications and performing artists of all genres are encouraged to apply. Conference registration for all attendees will be available in April. More information is available at https://www.mtperformingarts.org.

MPAC’s Annual Showcase and Conference is a three-day event that gathers more than a hundred performing arts professionals to plan performances, network, learn, and develop lasting relationships that extend into communities around the state. Each year, the event is attended by artists, agents, arts advocacy organizations, and presenting organizations from throughout Montana. About 18-20 presenters typically attend, hailing from communities large and small — from Sidney to Libby and Eureka to Gardiner. MPAC’s annual conference features juried showcase performances by 17 performers from throughout the continent, a trade-show style exhibit hall, networking events, and professional development workshops.

The showcases are the main event of the conference as they give artists the opportunity to promote their programs to a large number of Montana presenters. Likewise, the showcases give presenters the chance to sample a wide variety of live performances to consider booking for future concerts and live events. The conference also facilitates a block-booking meeting to help presenters work together and coordinate tour dates, saving time and money for both venues and performers. 

Artists interested in touring Montana are encouraged to apply for a showcase performance or register for a booth in the exhibit hall. The showcases are juried by a panel of both presenters and artists (or an artist agent). The panel chooses a diverse array of showcasing acts based on quality of work samples, promotional materials, outreach programs, and marketability in Montana communities.

Showcase applications will be accepted until April 26. People can visit https://www.mtperformingarts.org for more information .

The Montana Performing Arts Consortium is a non-profit coalition of Montana-based performing arts presenting organizations and artists from throughout the U.S.A. and beyond. Founded in 1981, MPAC’s mission is to promote and encourage the touring of the performing arts throughout Montana in a professional and cost-effective manner, provide support and technical assistance to performing arts presenters, and foster a favorable climate for both artists and presenters in Montana.