Call for Letters of Intent (LOIs) - 2026 Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant
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Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant (LPG) Overview
The Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant (LPG) is a program that supports Native-led live performing events and performances that include multiple Native performers and artists. “Live Production” means the artist(s) are actively engaged in the creation of a live performance , either in person or virtual. Live Productions can include: Original or re-adapted theatrical plays, touring for Native performance groups, performances taking place in Native communities, and other forms of live performance that may not fit into conventional performance categories (such as music festivals, concerts, and fairs).
The LPG Grant offers a one-year $30,000 grant to individual Native performing artists and Native-led performing arts organizations/businesses/collectives who have experience in presenting live productions. LPG is intended to support live productions that are in ACTIVE stages of production. Proposed live productions that are still in development, either in writing retreats or workshops, will not be considered.
Please note:
- Film productions, either short of full length feature, are NOT eligible at this time.
- Only one application may be submitted to the Performing Arts Program. If you are an individual artist submitting an application for the Live Production Grant, you may not also apply for a 2026 Native Performing Arts Fellowship.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Applicants must reside and be based within the U.S.
- Applicants who reside outside of the U.S. are ineligible to apply.
- Applicants must be an enrolled member of, or provide proof of lineal descendancy from, a U.S. federally-recognized or U.S. state-recognized tribe, or be able to provide proof of ancestry as an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian.
- For more information about acceptable documents, please click here.
- Applicants may not be enrolled in any academic, degree-conferring program.
- Activities that are part of the applicant's coursework at an institution of higher learning will not
be considered, i.e. senior or thesis exhibitions, juried student shows, etc.
- Applicants should be Native practitioners (traditional and contemporary) or Native led performing arts organizations/ businesses/collectives (Non-profit or For Profit) with experience in performing arts mediums (theater, music, dance, theater, music, live performance, spoken word, etc.) and other forms of live performance that may not fit into conventional performance categories (such as music festivals, concerts, and fairs).
- Applicants have sustained experience: Are mid-career with a body of work that demonstrates a
level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence.
- Artists and Organizations may not apply to the same program in succession. For example, if you are a 2025 NPA Production grant Awardee, you are not eligible to re-apply to the NPA Live Production Grant in 2026.
- If you are a previous grantee with First Peoples Fund (FPF), you must have submitted a final report for any previously awarded FPF Grants.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
- Proposed live productions must be in the ACTIVE stage of production and fall within the funding period of February 2026 - November 2026, if funded
- Fashion designers proposing a fashion show or event, must include performing artists such as dancers and musicians, and involve technical elements such as lighting, sets, etc. for your run of show and budget.
SELECTION PROCESS
Through a two-stage application and review process, FPF will award three (3) one year $30,000 grants to individual Native performing artists and/or Native-led organizations/businesses and who meet eligibility requirements.
Stage 1: Open call for Letter of Interest (LOI) from Native-led and Native-serving performing arts organizations. Following the submission of LOIs, FPF will internally review and advance those that best fit the purpose of the Live Production Grant.
Stage 2: If selected in Stage 1, an invitation to complete a full application via Submittable will be sent to each applicant. The application will require a detailed production timeline and budget.
Stage 3: A selection committee reviews applications and a final pool of the top-ranked applications is discussed based on the averaged application rating, then the selection committee convenes to deliberate. Final decisions are made based on panelist recommendations, available funding, and any relevant funding restrictions.
TO APPLY
Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, 6pm MST
A completed LOI application includes an Application submission in Submittable. Applications sent over email will not be considered.
Below are the following components of a completed Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant LOI application:
Applicant Information
Proposed Production Information
To see an overview of the Individual LOI Application, please click here.
To see an overview of the Organization LOI Application, please click here.
TIMELINE
- Application Opens: Monday, May 19th, 2025, 8am MST
- Application Closes: Wednesday, June 18th,2025, 6pm MST
SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT: Applicants will be notified if they advance to submit a full application in July 2025.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Natalie Benally, Program Manager of Performing Arts, with any questions by calling 505-278-0412, or via email at: natalie@firstpeoplesfund.org.