Artistic Innovation: Through the Soul of an Artist

NACF supports the creation of new work by contemporary Native artists. NACF celebrates the role of artists as culture bearers and critical thinkers. We embrace the notion that the creative process makes a profound contribution to intellectual inquiry and to the strengthening of communities.

*This opportunity is now closed to new inquiries. If you did not submit a proposal by July 2, 2010, please look for an announcement in the fall about next years funding initiatives.

See criteria and guidelines at left

Grants up to $20,000

For Native Peoples, artistic expression and cultural practices have always been interwoven with all aspects of life and there has often been little separation between the beautiful and the functional, between the sacred and the utilitarian. Life and art are an embodied whole. In this light, NACF believes in the importance of connecting Native arts practices to the greater fabric of American life and we are offering awards that will propel Native artists, informed by tradition and culture, into unique and imaginative ways of creation and of interacting with the world.

Projects might include work in visual arts, video and digital arts, installation, dance, music and performance based arts, playwrighting, literature, spoken word, or interdisciplinary projects. Artists are encouraged to take risks. NACF seeks to provide artists with the occasion to harvest their artistic ingenuity and brave a new path in their work or in their respective fields.

Capacity Building Initiative

Walter Echo-Hawk Releases New Book

Native Arts and Cultures Foundation's Board Chair, Walter Echo-Hawk, released his new book titled,"In the Courts of the Conqueror: The 10 Worst Indian Law Cases Ever Decided."

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Visits Washington D.C.

“The act of giving was part of the ‘gifting economy’ of the Northwest where one’s wealth was measured by generosity, good work and a good heart. That is the work of philanthropy too: It’s an honor to have plenty and to share. There is no lack when you have this process in place and the most important mindset to have while participating is gratitude, or giving thanks and promising to care for all, no matter what.”

Elizabeth Woody, Navajo/Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama

K-12 Program Coordinator, Center for Coastal Marine Observation & Prediction

Artistic Innovation: Through the Soul of an Artist

NACF supports the creation of new work by contemporary Native artists. NACF celebrates the role of artists as culture bearers and critical thinkers. We embrace the notion that the creative process makes a profound contribution to intellectual inquiry and to the strengthening of communities.

*This opportunity is now closed to new inquiries. If you did not submit a proposal by July 2, 2010, please look for an announcement in the fall about next years funding initiatives.

Initiatives