2025 OLA & VAP Artist in Residence Application
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First Peoples Fund: Oglala Lakota Artspace Residency Programs
Introduction Founded in 1995, First Peoples Fund is guided by the belief in Collective Spirit—a commitment to nurturing our shared humanity, honoring our connection to one another and the lands around us, and sustaining the cultural fabric of Native communities. Our mission is to honor and support the Collective Spirit of First Peoples artists and culture bearers, recognizing the power of art and culture to bring about positive change in Native communities.
First Peoples Fund offers two distinct residency programs at the Oglala Lakota Artspace (OLA):
- Oglala Lakota Artspace Artist in Residence (AiR) Program – Designed for artists and culture bearers working in visual, literary, and interdisciplinary arts who seek dedicated time and space for creative practice.
- Wicahpi Olowan: Visiting Artist Program (VAP) – A specialized program for musicians and recording artists looking to create work in the Wicahpi Olowan recording studio.
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Oglala Lakota Artspace Artist in Residence (AiR) Program
The AiR program provides Oglala Lakota culture bearers and artists with uninterrupted time and space to develop their artistic practice, explore connections, and collaborate with the local community.
Residency Details
Duration: 2–6 weeks (June – November 2025)
Disciplines: Visual arts, literary arts, interdisciplinary arts, media arts, performance, and choreography
Support Provided:
- A stipend based on residency length:
∎ 2 weeks: $1,250 stipend + $250 material support
∎ 3 weeks: $1,875 stipend + $375 material support
∎ 4 weeks: $2,500 stipend + $500 material support
∎ 5 weeks: $3,125 stipend + $625 material support
∎ 6 weeks: $3,750 stipend + $750 material support
- Travel assistance (mileage, or airfare + rental car if needed)
- A furnished cabin with kitchen, bath, and WiFi
- Workspace and access to OLA facilities
Expectations
- Artists must participate in at least one public program (e.g., community projects, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, youth engagement, etc.)
- Engagements will be mutually designed and agreed upon by the artist and OLA staff
- Artists are encouraged to share works in progress through studio visits or community events
Eligibility
- Must be an enrolled member or provide proof of lineal descendancy of the Oceti Sakowin Bands
- Open to both emerging and established artists and culture bearers
- Applicants must be practicing artists
- Must not have received a previous OLA AiR residency (prior AiR recipients may submit proposals for self-sufficient projects with limited support available)
- Must have submitted a Final Report for any previously awarded First Peoples Fund grants/support
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Wicahpi Olowan: Visiting Artist Program (VAP)
The VAP is specifically designed for musicians and recording artists who wish to create work in the Wicahpi Olowan recording studio at OLA. This program offers financial support and professional development opportunities over a six-month period.
Program Details
- Duration: 6 months
- Support Provided:
∎ $1,000 monthly stipend
∎ Access to the Wicahpi Olowan recording studio
∎ Monthly check-ins with the Program Manager
∎ Professional development opportunities through First Peoples Fund’s Native
Artist Professional Development (NAPD) program
∎ Performance opportunity at the Oglala Lakota Artspace Solstice or Equinox
event
Expectations
- Artists will commit to a six-month engagement with monthly check-ins
- Participation in the NAPD program is required
- Artists must provide feedback for program evaluation upon completion
Eligibility
- Must be an enrolled member or provide proof of lineal descendancy of the Oceti Sakowin Bands
- Open to emerging and established musicians and recording artists
- Must not have an active fellowship with First Peoples Fund during the residency year
- Must not have outstanding reports from previous First Peoples Fund grants/support
- Current OLA studio artist tenants are not eligible to apply
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Application Timeline
- Call for Applications Opens: March 10, 2025
- Application Deadline: (To be announced)
- Residency Period: June – November 2025 (AiR Program); Ongoing for VAP
For any questions, please contact: leslie@firstpeoplesfund.org