Project Guidelines

2024 Program Overview

Available to Tribal enrolled artists, the 2024 Native Creative Development Program (NCDP) grant supports projects for individual artists and master/apprentice artists to further develop visual arts practice. We deeply respect and honor the unique art forms—powerful and growing forms of customary art practices from your cultures, lands, and perspectives. Whether you are reclaiming ancient practices or creating contemporary Native art, your distinctive artistic vision, cultural identity, and connection to respective Tribal communities are at the heart of this program.

Artistic Discipline: Visual Arts

This grant is open to artists working in visual art mediums. Examples might include painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and fiber arts. It also encompasses a broad spectrum of customary and culturally significant artistic practices, such as regalia and ceremonial art.

A Focus on One Artistic Form

The projects should aim to define one artistic form to improve skills and take the artist's art form to a higher level. Successful proposals will prioritize one specific art form that significantly contributes to the artist's personal, cultural, and professional development, enriching their overall interpretation and relationship between the form, material, and art practice. An individual artist may seek a mentor to gain skills and knowledge and build cultural practices.

Level of Practice as an Individual Artist

We prioritize practicing artists who have spent time enhancing a specific artistic discipline. This project allows for dedicated focus on your artistic medium regardless of how long you have made art. The length of a creative career is determined by you, your practice, training, apprenticeships, and why the project is important now. 

Eligibility

Tribally enrolled citizen of a federally recognized or state-recognized American Indian Tribe. Documentation of Tribal affiliation is required. Documentation can include a letter from a federally recognized Tribal enrollment office confirming the applicant's affiliation or a photocopy of an enrollment card, including both sides.

Service Area

The individual artist grant is for Tribal enrolled artists residing in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The art must be practiced within the specific cultural community to which it belongs. While all Tribal artists living in these states are welcome to apply, priority will be given to applicants whose Tribe is located in the state where they live.

Project Duration

Projects can be from 9 to 12 months. January 2024 through September 2025. Final Reports are due by October 30, 2025.

Project Types

Individual Artist Project

A grant of up to $5,000 for visual artists to support the creation of new artwork and advance their artistic development and practice. The grant aims to support the development of an individual's creative practice by exploring new techniques to enhance skills and knowledge.

Individual Mentorship Project

Mentorship grants of up to $10,000 are available to individual artists who seek mentorship with master artists. The apprentice must regularly meet in person for artistic development, and both the teaching artist and apprentices must be Tribally enrolled.

Mentorship Applicant Criteria

If you’re seeking a mentor to develop or acquire new artistic skills, please outline your planned activities for the grant period. This opportunity is not open to groups or duos. Your project entails generational teachings with a mentor who can offer expertise in traditional or contemporary techniques and the intentional sharing of knowledge and uses of materials through generational teachings.

Evaluation Criteria

The strongest proposals will be those that meet the following criteria:

• Outstanding Artist Project: The project should elevate your art form and improve your skills. The goal is to take the artist's art form to the next level through disciplined practice.
• Creative Impact: Why is this project important to Native American arts? How does producing a new work through exploration make it compatible with my work and experience?
• Involvement: What makes this project important to me, my community, and my culture?
• Project Implementation: The artist can successfully carry out the program within the time and budget proposed.

Project Expenses that Will Not Be Funded

• Travel related to art projects (conferences, expos, exhibitions).
• Tuition or classes are not eligible.
• Attending professional development classes or workshops.
• We do not retroactively fund art projects. Projects must start on or after the application timeline.
• Prior year grant award partners are to have completed their final reports before reapplying.

Award Selection Process

Staff members review applications to determine eligibility. Following the initial review, they are presented to a panel of Native artists at the House of Welcome Advisory Board. After the Advisory Board meeting and grant awards, the staff will have notes on each application and the Board's rationale for funding or not funding a particular project. If your application is not selected, applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Specialist to receive feedback on their proposal for future grant opportunities.

Contact Information

For questions about application requirements, guidelines, eligibility, etc. contact:

Mary Kummer, Program Specialist (360) 692-9487 | mary.kummer@evergreen.edu