From Meridian International Center's website:
Expo 2025 Osaka, scheduled to take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, marks the return of the World Expo to Japan after 20 years, attracting an estimated 28 million visitors. The theme of Expo 2025, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” along with its subthemes “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives,” will provide a powerful platform for American artists to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of U.S. culture at the USA Pavilion.
Meridian International Center is seeking outstanding U.S. cultural performers and expert speakers to perform and speak at the USA Pavilion. The selected participants will embody the best of American dance, music, theatre, literature, art, food, sport, and other cultural expressions, showcasing the full diversity of the United States. The Two-Month Cultural Performers Residency and Short-Term Cultural Performers/Expert Speakers programs are designed to engage Expo visitors through performances, workshops, lectures, panel discussions, master classes, and media engagements.
Two-Month Cultural Performers Residency: 45 Cultural Performers will participate in one of three residencies; each residency will consist of a group or “cohort” and will last 8 weeks. Performers can be solo acts or groups of up to five individuals. They will engage Expo visitors through live performances, workshops, and open hours to share their art forms and diverse American culture.
Cohort 1: April 13 – June 13, 2025
Cohort 2: June 13 – August 13, 2025
Cohort 3: August 13 – October 13, 2025
Short-Term Cultural Performers/Expert Speakers Program: Meridian seeks 30 Short-Term Cultural Performers/Expert Speakers to engage Expo visitors through week-long visits. Participants will present on various subjects including American dance, music, literature, art, and more, in formats such as workshops, demonstrations, master classes, and panel discussions.
All travel and lodging expenses will be covered, and participants will receive a stipend or daily honoraria for their engagement at Expo.
To apply, interested cultural performers and expert speakers should submit a short bio, resume, work samples, and responses to application questions that highlight their suitability for the program. Applications can be submitted via the following links:
Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2024. For more information, please visit www.meridian.org/expo2025.