Opera Grants for Women Composers: Commissioning Grants support Professional Company Members in commissioning new operatic works by women composers.

Commissioning Grants are intended to help offset the composer’s contract fee relating to the commission of a fully produced new work.

OPERA America believes that different perspectives, cultural histories, life experiences, and personal stories enrich the operatic repertoire. OPERA America is dedicated to supporting creators who reflect the diversity of the nation.

Opera Grants for Women Composers are supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Grant Details

Commissioning Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to cover up to 50–100% of the commissioning fee paid to the composer. The size of the award will depend on the composition of the creative team and whether or not a project is a co-production or co-presentation among multiple companies.

Eligibility: OPERA America’s Professional Company Members based in the United States may apply.  The work’s composer must self-identify as a cis or trans woman and must have U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. (Proof of citizenship will be requested.) See the Guidelines for additional eligibility requirements.

How to Apply

Professional Company Member staff can log in to view grant guidelines and application deadlines. To learn about becoming a Professional Company Member, visit Organizational Membership.

Meet the Grantees