OVERVIEW
PADX is an initiative of the Performing Arts Discovery (PAD) program, developed to expand international markets and generate overseas touring opportunities for U.S. performing artists. PADX launched in September 2022 thanks to a new partnership and $300,000 grant award from the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) which facilitates relationship-building with international partners and provides travel support for delegations of artists to participate in overseas conferences and events.
PADX ENGLAND
WAA’s returning to WOMEX this October sending the delegation to Manchester, England.
The application deadline for PADX England Fellows is Friday, April 12, 2024 at 5pm PT.
A TRIP WITH WAA TO A GLOBAL MUSIC HUB
WAA will be once again be sending a delegation of artists and agents to WOMEX — Worldwide Music Expo.
The biggest conference of the global music scene and the leading networking platform for the world music industry, WOMEX brings together over 2,600 performing arts professionals from 90 countries for five days of networking, showcasing, connection, and learning.
PADX offers a unique opportunity to maximize everything WOMEX has to offer: immerse yourself in this global music hub under the banner of WAA and share the experience with others from the WAA community as you make new connections with performing arts professionals from all over the world and explore Manchester an exciting, diverse and progressive city where everybody is welcome. Situated in the North-west of England and often dubbed the ‘capital of the North’, Manchester is known across the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, and for its proud history in science, politics, music, arts, and sport.
THE PADX DELEGATION
WAA will select four to six artists/agents as Fellows to attend WOMEX this October 23 - 27 in Manchester, England. PADX Fellows also receive access to experts on the ground — one-to-one meetings with local arts professionals and commerce consulates — plus participation in a special pitch session. PADX Fellow applications are now closed.
WAA is open to assist other members to attend WOMEX, while you will not receive funding and will not take part in specialized sessions, you can be a core part of the PADX unit under the WAA banner and are invited to participate in other organized activities.
TRAVEL & ACCOMODATION
WOMEX takes place across a number of venues in Manchester; you can see venue information here.
WAA will make travel and accommodation arrangements on behalf of the entire PADX delegation.
PADX Fellows and Colleagues will stay at INNSiDE Manchester in the central city in single occupancy rooms, with breakfast included.
The hotel is a seven-minute walk from Manchester Central, where the WOMEX opening ceremony will take place, and within a fifteen-minute walk from most WOMEX venues. The hotel is 14km from Manchester Airport (MAN), and there are bus and train stops within a five-minute walk.
A Coruña
Image courtesy of INNSiDE Manchester
PROGRAM BENEFITS – PADX FELLOWS
PADX Fellows receive:
A subsidy approximately 50% of the total cost of the PADX trip. PADX Fellows must cover the remaining trip cost. Federal funds may not be used to cover costs that exceed the subsidy coverage offered by PADX. The trip cost includes WOMEX registration; flights; lodging; breakfast (October 23 - 27); and dinner (October 23 - 26).
Facilitation of, and discount on, travel and accommodation booking; WAA makes these arrangements on your behalf.
Access to all WOMEX events: trade fair, conference, film screenings, and showcases plus a one-year registration for the virtual WOMEX database.
Access to the WOMEX attendee list of 2,600+ participants from 90+ countries
Designated trade fair time at the PADX stand, from which you can share your upcoming projects with international audiences.
Participation in a special pitch session, a PADX-hosted reception, and other scheduled group events.
One-to-one meetings with local commerce consulates and art professionals.
WAA 2019, Corporate CloseUps
PADX FELLOW ELIGIBILITY
Artists, agents, and managers working in a music discipline with demonstrated ability and experience in successful touring may apply to be a PADX Fellow
PADX FELLOW SELECTION CRITERIA
PADX Fellows will be selected based on the following criteria:
Artistic excellence (15 points)
Does the artist/ensemble/project demonstrate a high level of artistry and expressiveness? Does the work convey the cultural and aesthetic plurality of American music to international audiences in a compelling way? (As evidenced in the work samples.)
Readiness to tour (15 points)
Do the history, experience, and promotional assets demonstrate a readiness to tour internationally? (Based on touring history, promotional assets, and work samples.)
Impact (15 points)
How will your participation in the program support your goals? To what extent will the financial support impact your ability to participate? (Based on your statement of interest in WOMEX and financial need statement.)
Previous program participation (5 points)
PAD Showcase artists (all cohorts) will receive priority consideration.
PADX FELLOW APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A short, written pitch for a performance, project, or artist (500 words)
A short, written statement of interest in WOMEX: which international markets are you interested in entering? Why do you believe your music is a good match for those markets? (500 words)
A short, written financial need statement (250 words)
Acknowledgement of total participation cost
Confirmation of your ability and commitment to provide a $500 non-refundable deposit by May 31, if you are selected as a PADX Fellow.
Confirmation of your ability and commitment to cover the program costs not covered by the subsidy by the balance deadline of Monday, July 24, 2023
Two live performance video samples of work you have toured, or plan to tour. Each sample must be no longer than 15 minutes. Each sample must include a minimum of one and a maximum of two full works. Promotional videos will not be considered.
The PADX England trip cost varies, the total to participate is valued near $5,000.
WAA members total price to participate is $1,950, while non-members selected for the fellowship will need to contribute $2,950 towards their participation as part of the delegation.
PADX ENGLAND TRIP COST
WAA Member
Nonmember
$1,950 USD
PADX Fellow Trip Total
$2,950 USD
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
The deposit for participation is $500 USD.
The deposit for PADX Fellows is due at time of acceptance of the fellowship, or no later than May 10, 2024, 5pm PT.
PADX Fellows may not use federal funds to cover costs that exceed the subsidy coverage offered by PADX.
The final balance is due on May 31, 2024, 5pm PT.
PADX ENGLAND: TIMELINE
Wednesday, March 13
PADX Fellow applications open
Friday, April 12
PADX Fellow application closes at 11:59pm PT
Friday, April 19
PADX Fellow applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application
Friday, May 10
Deadline for PADX Fellow deposits ($500). Note that the deposit is required to secure your participation
May TBA
Pre-trip virtual meeting
Friday, May 31
Balance due
Monday, October 21 - Tuesday, October 22
Travel days
Wednesday, October 23 – Sunday, October 27
WOMEX — Manchester, England, UK
Sunday, October 29
Travel home
PADX England: FAQs
If your question is not addressed within our FAQs below, please reach out to PAD Program Manager, Ed Bourgeois at ebourgeois@westarts.org
ABOUT
What is PADX?
PADX is an initiative of the Performing Arts Discovery (PAD) program, developed to expand international markets and generate overseas touring opportunities for U.S. performing artists. PADX launched in September 2022 thanks to a new partnership and $300,000 grant award from the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) which facilitates relationship-building with international partners and provides travel support for delegations of artists to participate in overseas conferences and events.
PADX England will take a delegation of artists, agents, and other performing arts professionals to the 2024 WOMEX — World Music Expo — in Manchester, England, UK.
What is WOMEX?
WOMEX — Worldwide Music Expo — is the biggest conference of the global music scene and the leading networking platform for the world music industry. WOMEX brings together over 2,600 performing arts professionals from 90 countries for five days of networking, showcasing, connection, and learning. This year’s WOMEX will take place from Wednesday, October 23 – Sunday, October 27 in Manchester, England, UK.
How can I find out more?
Please reach out to PAD Program Manager, Ed Bourgeois at ebourgeois@westarts.org.
PARTICIPATION & ELIGIBILITY
How can I participate as a PADX Fellow?
U.S.-based artists, agents, and managers working in a music discipline with demonstrated ability and experience in successful touring may apply to be a PADX Fellow.
What do I receive as a PADX Fellow?
A subsidy of 50% towards the cost of the trip. PADX Fellows must cover the remaining trip cost. The trip cost includes WOMEX registration; flights; lodging; breakfast (October 23 - 27); and dinner (October 23 - 26).
Facilitation of, and discount on, travel and accommodation booking; WAA makes these arrangements on your behalf.
Access to all WOMEX events: trade fair, conference, film screenings, and showcases plus a one-year registration for the virtualWOMEX database.
Access to the WOMEX attendee list of 2,600+ participants from 90+ countries
Designated trade fair time at the PADX stand, from which you can share your upcoming projects with international audiences.
Participation in a special pitch session, a PAD X-hosted reception, and other scheduled group events.
One-to-one meetings with local commerce consulates and art professionals.
Is Western Arts Alliance (WAA) membership a requirement to participate?
No, WAA membership is not required. However, WAA members receive a discounted price for participation.
How will PADX Fellows be selected?
Six PADX Fellows — who must be U.S.-based artists, agents, or managers working in a music discipline — will be selected based on the following criteria:
Artistic excellence (15 points)
Does the artist/ensemble/project demonstrate a high level of artistry and expressiveness? Does the work convey the cultural and aesthetic plurality of American music to international audiences in a compelling way? (As evidenced in the work samples.)Readiness to tour (15 points)
Do the history, experience, and promotional assets demonstrate a readiness to tour internationally? (Based on touring history, promotional assets, and work samples.)Impact (15 points)
How will your participation in the program support your goals? To what extent will the financial support impact your ability to participate? (Based on your statement of interest in WOMEX and financial need statement.)Previous program participation (5 points)
PAD Showcase artists (all cohorts) will receive priority consideration.
Can I apply to be a PADX Fellow on behalf of my group/ensemble?
Fellows are selected as individuals, and should apply as such. If you are a part of a group or ensemble, you may apply as an individual and plan to be a representative of your group during your dedicated time at the PADX stand and during other programmed sessions.
If I do not receive the PADX Fellowship, can I still participate as part of the WAA delegation to WOMEX?
Yes, please contact us the program manager for more information.
What if I can’t attend the pre-trip meetings?
Attending one of the virtual pre-trip meetings is required to participate in the program, however if due to extenuating circumstances you are unable to attend please make arrangements with the program manager as soon as you know of the conflict.
COSTS
What should I expect to pay as a participant in PADX England?
Your total trip cost will depend on the category you fall under (member/nonmember)
Please refer to the trip cost information for details.
How much is the trip deposit?
Deposits for PADX England are $500 USD.
The deposit for PADX Fellows is due at time of acceptance of the fellowship, or no later than May 31, 2023, 5pm PT. Note that PADX Fellows may not use federal funds to cover costs that exceed the subsidy coverage offered by PADX.
Are there any fees or costs that are not covered under the program?
The trip cost includes WOMEX registration; return flights to and from Manchester, England; lodging at hotel; breakfast (October 23 - 27); and dinner (October 23 - 26). PADX participants are responsible for all other costs associated with their trip.
TRAVEL & LOCATION
Where is WOMEX taking place?
The 2024 WOMEX event will take place in Manchester, an exciting, diverse and progressive city where everybody is welcome. Situated in the North-west of England and often dubbed the ‘capital of the North’, Manchester is known across the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, and for its proud history in science, politics, music, arts, and sport.
WOMEX takes place across a number of venues in Manchester; you can see venue information here.
How is my travel arranged? May I extend my stay?
The WAA team will gather information about your plans via a travel information form and will book flights accordingly. You must return the travel information form by Wednesday, May 31.
While you may choose to extend your stay, any costs incurred due to the extension of a flight that exceed the cost of a flight within the designated travel dates (10/23/23 - 10/29/23) will be your responsibility. Hotel bookings and all concurrent charges outside of the PADX date block (10/22/24 - 10/27/24) will also be your responsibility.
Where will I stay?
PADX Fellows will stay at the INNSiDE Manchester in the central city. The hotel address is: 1 First St. Manchester, M15 4RP, UNITED KINGDOM
The hotel is about a 7-minute walk from Manchester Central, where the WOMEX opening ceremony will take place, and within a 15-minute walk from most WOMEX venues. The hotel is 14km from Manchester Airport (MAN), and there are bus and train stops within a 5-minute walk.
Who will I share my room with?
No one! Each participant of PADX England will have a single occupancy room on this trip to attend WOMEX.
DATES
When is the PADX Spain trip taking place?
WOMEX dates are Wednesday, October 23 – Sunday, October 27. Expect to travel on Monday, October 21/Tuesday, October 22.
Travel home will be on Sunday, October 27.
What other dates should I be aware of?
Please refer to the PADX Spain timeline section of this webpage.
FUTURE PADX TRIPS
Will there be future PADX opportunities?
Yes! Stay tuned.
May I participate in more than one PADX trip?
PADX Fellowships are limited to one per person per calendar year.
