NACF was pleased to host a two-day virtual program orientation for our new LIFT awardees on July 21-22, 2021. The LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artists program provides invaluable support to early-career Native artists with one-year awards to develop and realize new projects. Support for burgeoning artists is critical in developing fresh voices and envisioning the future of our respective Native practices.
One of the highlights of the virtual orientation was to provide the LIFT artists with a platform to introduce themselves and their work to each other through short presentations (and some impromptu performances). This type of artist interaction, training and networking is a key component of NACF’s strategy to help increase artist visibility, reach and access. Part of NACF’s work is to provide the space and environment for building a more robust and broader network of Native artists, who can learn from, inspire, and collaborate with each one another. As one LIFT artist shared, “I thought it was a very uplifting experience. I felt inspired and personally motivated by everyone’s journeys, stories and talents!”
The sessions offered our new awardees the opportunity to build relationships, share their work, and familiarize themselves more deeply with NACF and the LIFT program as they embark on the beginning of their grant year and projects. The orientation was facilitated by Reuben Roqueñi, Director of Transformative Change Programs, and featured NACF staff presentations on helpful information for budgeting, social-media engagement, and grant reporting. Additionally, guest presenter Nani Chacon (Diné), 2020 NACF Mentor Artist Fellow, presented critical aspects of producing and managing community-engaged artistic projects.
NACF is grateful to Nani Chacon and all of our LIFT awardees for their contributions to the orientation, and we look forward to sharing all of the exciting and meaningful work to come from our new grantees in the months ahead.
PORTLAND, Oregon, July 7, 2021 – The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) is pleased to announce the first cohort of the LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artistsprogram awardees. Following a national open call for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian artist applicants, over 100 artists’ applications were reviewed by a panel of arts professionals specializing in dance, literature, film, multidisciplinary arts, music, performance art, theater, traditional arts and visual arts. Twenty artists were selected to receive a $10,000 one-year award… READ MORE