EXPO 2025 OSAKA USA PAVILION SHORT-TERM CULTURAL PERFORMERS & EXPERT SPEAKERS PROGRAM APPLICATION

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The six-month long Expo 2025 Osaka marks the return of the World Expo to Japan 20 years after the Aichi Expo 2005 and is expected to attract over 28 million visitors. The event is scheduled for April 13 to October 13, 2025, 55 years after Japan and Asia’s first ever World Expo, the Osaka Expo 1970. This will be the third time Osaka hosts a World Expo and the sixth time Japan hosts a World Expo. The theme of Expo 2025 Osaka is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The Expo’s subthemes are “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives.”

The U.S. Department of State's International Expositions (Expo Unit) has awarded a cooperative agreement to Meridian International to recruit U.S. Cultural Performers and Expert Speakers to perform and/or speak at the official USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. All travel and lodging expenses will be covered by the program and there is an honorarium of $300 per day for seven days for Short-Term Cultural Performers/Expert Speakers.

Cultural Performers and Expert Speakers should: 

  • Embody the best and most authentic representation of American dance, music, theatre, literature, art, food, sport, and other touch points in American culture;  
  • Collectively reflect the full cultural richness and diversity of the U.S.;  
  • Attract the interest and engagement of Expo visitors through varied performances, workshops, lectures, panel discussions, master classes, and media engagements; and 
  • Support U.S. public diplomacy goals to promote U.S. history, culture, and values in Japan and throughout the region.  

Meridian and the Expo Unit are seeking 30 U.S. Cultural Performers and/or Expert Speakers to travel to Osaka for week-long visits (travel days included). Cultural Performers/Expert Speakers will engage Expo 2025 visitors at the USA Pavilion in varied subjects that include American dance, music, theatre, literature/spoken word, art, crafts, design, film, food, sport, multidisciplinary arts, and other touch points in American culture. Each Performer/Expert Speaker will have at least three program days while in Osaka; their programming may vary in format depending on Performer/Expert Speaker preferences and topics, and may be presented as workshops, demonstrations, master classes, and/or panel discussions.  Performers/Expert Speakers may be invited to perform at other Expo venues or collaborate with performers and speakers at other Expo pavilions. This program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Meridian International Center. Applications will close on November 30, 2024 at 11:59PM EST. 

Are you applying as a Cultural Performer, Expert Speaker, or Both? *
What is your field? *
 
To which gender do you most identify? *
 
To which race/ethnicity do you identify? (Please check all that resonate) *
 
Do you speak any other languages besides English? *
Please list any social media handles you currently use: *
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Eligibility

Please answer the following. *
 YesNo
Are you a U.S. citizen?
Do you have a valid U.S. passport or can obtain one within the next 6 months?
Are you at least 18 years of age or older?
Have you been convicted of a felony?
Are you delinquent on child support payments?
Do you have any dates that you cannot travel for this program between April-October 2025? *

Short Questions & Bio

0/150 words
Please upload your résumé:
Limit your résumé to 2 pages and upload as a PDF file. Do not submit a press kit or any promotional materials. 

Please answer the short questions below:
Each Short-Term Cultural Performer/Expert Speaker will have at least 3 program days while in Osaka; programming may vary in format depending on performer/expert speaker preferences and topics, and may be presented as demonstrations/performances, master classes, and/or workshops.
0/150 words
0/150 words
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0/150 words
Does your proposed program address any of the following topics? (Select all that apply)
 
Select the SDG(s) that apply:
Which audience(s) would be suited for your proposed program? (Please check all that apply) *
 
Have you participated in any other U.S. Department of State program? (i.e., American Film Showcase, American Music Abroad, Arts Envoys, Fulbright, Next Level, etc.) *
Do you have any experience or expertise in Japan and/or the region? *

References

Please provide 3 references below:

Work Samples


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Please read the Guide to Application and FAQs carefully before submitting your application (links will be updated once website is live):  
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