upcoming grant deadline: 05/15/2024
Each year, First Peoples Fund honors and celebrates exceptional American Indian artists who embody the collective spirit—that which manifests self-awareness and a sense of responsibility to sustain the cultural fabric of a community. First Peoples Fund chooses its Community Spirit Award honorees for their commitment to sustaining the cultural values of Native people.
This year's celebration will be held at The Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Click here to read more about the ceremony and this year's honorees
Artists are absolutely central to producing the tangible, visible forms of creation that help the people know who they are. They manifest the tools that support the spiritual practices of the people: the beadwork and clothing that prepare the dancers for the dance; the pipes for ceremony; the drums and rattles for the songs and prayers. Visioning is an important part of all Native cultures, and producing art gives presence to the visions of the people.
The same spirit that guides artists’ work also drives artists to do service in their communities. Artists convey the sacred meanings behind the materials they use. Artists honor the eagle and the grass in the crafting of the bows and arrows, the baskets, the dance regalia, the headdresses. When artists show the meaning of the beautiful things they make, it helps heal the Peoples spirits and shows how others can also give back.
The process of bringing spirit back to community is an important responsibility for artists—it is part of a sacred honor system. First Peoples Fund works strengthen that honor system by recognizing these exceptional artists for knowing themselves, honoring others, and sustaining spirit in their own communities.
Previous year Community Spirit Award recipients are eligible to participate in our Cultural Capital Grant Program.
Eligibility: Nominees for the Community Spirit Award must be:
Fellowships will be awarded to artists who:
Nomination process
Selection process and expectations
Got questions? For more information, please contact Miranne Walker at (605) 348-0324 or miranne@firstpeoplesfund.org.