Your story of impact through the arts is powerful. It’s fuel for change! APAP wants to amplify it.

The arts aren’t a luxury. They are essential civic infrastructure, strengthening every community they serve. This is our moment to claim that space, loudly and unapologetically. It’s time to expand our coalition, rewrite the narrative, and show the world the true value of the performing arts as engines of belonging, resilience, and economic vitality.

Maybe you’ve reimagined your business model, reached new audiences, or turned a small-but-mighty team into a local powerhouse. You’ve left behind outdated playbooks, leaned into your values, and uncovered new strategies to meet this unprecedented moment.

Your stories will show how the arts lead in solving civic, cultural, and economic challenges. They will inspire, mobilize, and strengthen the case for the investment and recognition our field has earned. The field needs your stories.

This year, 5 Minutes to Shine (5MTS) will showcase stories of reinvention, innovation, insight, and experimentation from the past few years. These bursts of inspiration will be featured at APAP|NYC and beyond, sparking conversations, building alliances, and fueling momentum to advance the field.

Submit your story now. The deadline is September 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). Selected stories will be featured at APAP|NYC 2027 (January 15-19, 2027).

Guidelines for 5 Minutes to Shine submissions can be accessed here.

If you have any questions, please email David Rowell at drowell@apap365.org. 

Applicant Information

Narrative

This brief narrative doesn’t have to be comprehensive, but it should offer the heart of your story and some takeaways. You can also add a 30-second recording, video or YouTube or Vimeo link (make the link private). You can upload images of the work or experience described in your story if applicable. This isn’t required, but it may help illustrate your story. 

The deadline for submissions is September 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (EDT).

Please provide a brief 150-word narrative outlining the story you propose tell by answering the following brief questions. Note this is not meant to be 150 words per question, but for the entire narrative.

Digital Materials

You can also add a 30-second recording, YouTube, or Vimeo link (make the link private).

Upload images of the work or experience described in your story in the online application if applicable. This isn’t required, but it may help illustrate your story. 

Digital materials are not required for consideration.