NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
Indigenous Contemporary Arts Program

::   PROGRAM OVERVIEW
::   EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLICATIONS This Program has been discontinued. No applications are being accepted.
::   EXPRESSIVE ARTS This Program has been discontinued. No applications are being accepted.
          - FUNDING AREA
          - ELIGIBLITY
          - EXCLUSIONS
          - SELECTION CRITERIA
          - TIMETABLE AND REPORTING
          - HOW TO APPLY
          - EVALUATION PLAN SUGGESTIONS AND QUESTIONS
          - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
          - APPLICATION (PDF)
::   Artist Leadership Program
::   Award Recipients

FUNDING AREA: EXPRESSIVE ARTS

The NMAI’s Indigenous Contemporary Arts Program promotes the creation and presentation of new works through the collaboration of two or more Native artists. The primary focus should be on the creativity of Native artists, but that does not exclude non-Natives as collaborators where appropriate. Awards will specifically support the creation of new works for public performance that may include, but is not limited to, music, dance, spoken word (new scripts, written texts, traditional stories, etc.), electronic media, costume design, mask making, set design, performance art, photography, painting, and other forms of expressive culture. Applicants will be encouraged to use the resources of the NMAI for inspiration, including its collections and exhibitions.

The awards are meant to support Native artists who wish to work together in order to realize more fully their artistic visions for performance. Examples include:

Successful applicants will be encouraged to present their works as widely as possible. The awards are competitive, selected by application only. The selection panel includes NMAI staff and outside experts.

The Program awards up to $10,000 to selected applicants.

The credit line “Support provided by the Indigenous Contemporary Arts Program, National Museum of the American Indian” must be included in all publicity and written material. The NMAI is able to present this opportunity for creative artists thanks to generous support from the Ford Foundation’s IllumiNation program. A mid-term and final report will be required.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

This award is open to all indigenous peoples who hold citizenship in the Americas. If non-Native collaborators are included, the proposal should be written by a Native applicant. Individual artists may also collaborate with a Native institution.

EXCLUSIONS

This program does not support film, video production or post-production, concerts or performances of pre-existing work, or any creative art that is not intended for a public performance. The award may not cover entertainment (i.e., reception costs), competitions, or fundraising. Equipment purchases should be kept to a minimum; award funds for equipment should only be used for essential items that are otherwise unavailable. Awards may not be used for planning purposes; the Expressive Arts program supports the implementation of arts presentations. Awards may not be used to cover salary lost due to sabbaticals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Panelists will consider giving awards to at least one emerging artist (if you consider yourself an emerging artist, please state this in your biography).

Applications should be written by Native artists or in collaboration with a Native arts institution or organization.

TIMETABLE AND REPORTING

2011
Application receipt deadline:  January 14, 2011
Awards announced:  March 15, 2011
Award period:  May 1, 2011–April 30, 2012
Mid-term report due:  December 30, 2011
Final report due:  May 31, 2012

Questions about your application?
Contact Vincent Scott at scottv@si.edu or Howard Bass at bassh@si.edu.

HOW TO APPLY

Lead Native artist is to complete the program application on behalf of the collaborators as follows:

Three (3) copies of the completed Application Cover Sheet and the following support material must be received by January 14, 2011.

  1. Narrative description of project, (1000 words, max. / 12-pt. font)
  2. Budget (use template provided)
  3. Biographies (300 words each, max.) of principle Native participants and résumés (2-page, max.) including performance/production history. Include documentation of participant tribal affiliation as applicable.
  4. Supporting materials: performance history, critical reviews, endorsements, or other written documentation attesting to the quality of the artist’s work, etc.
  5. Samples of artist work, such as CDs, DVD/video, or other documentation
  6. Evaluation plan

Electronic applications and faxes will not be accepted.

Do not bind your applications. Please use only staples, clips, or paperclips. Label your CDs and all supplemental materials with the applicant's name.

Please send three (3) sets of the complete application and supporting materials (written and media) to the following address. You will receive an email confirmation of your application receipt.

Vincent Scott
Cultural Arts Program Specialist
Expressive Arts Program
National Museum of the American Indian
4th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W.
MRC 590 P.O. Box 37012
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

Express Mail: We highly recommend the use of FedEx or a similar service to ensure prompt delivery and to avoid risk of damage to materials such as CDs and DVDs. (Materials sent via USPS are subject to irradiation.) Address for private express-mail service:

Vincent Scott/Expressive Arts Program
National Museum of the American Indian
4th Street and Independence Avenue S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20024

EVALUATION PLAN SUGGESTIONS AND QUESTIONS

  1. Enlist experts, community members, and peers to help evaluate the project at various stages: inception, mid-point, and completion.

  2. Demonstrate ways in which the project will serve your community or the broader community as an artistic experience, a learning experience, or a way of furthering understanding of Native issues and interests.

  3. Devise a plan for asking audiences to comment on the project through written evaluations, post-performance discussions, or select one-on-one interviews.

  4. Explain how your project or program can be extended by multiple performances, touring, recording for re-broadcast, etc.

  5. Was the project presented as envisioned? If not, how did it change and why?

  6. Was the budget plan realistic?

  7. Seek feedback from performers, crew, other production partners and collaborators on creative process, effectiveness for audience, difficulties encountered in creation and production.

  8. How many people were served by the program?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should be included in the mid-term report?

What should be included in the final report?