2027 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 2027 Native Performing Arts Fellowship.
- Recurring annual live productions that have had 5 years or more of being produced/presented must propose new ways or ideas that make the production distinct from prior productions.
- Proposed live productions that are still in development, either in writing retreats or workshops, will not be considered.
INDIVIDUAL ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
- Individual Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Individual Applicants must reside and be based within the U.S.
- Applicants who reside outside of the U.S. are ineligible to apply.
- Individual 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.
- Individual Applicants should be Native practitioners (traditional and contemporary) 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.
- 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.
- Current FPF grantees of Native Arts Ecology Building, Weaving Kinship, Rooted Pathways & Community Spirit Award are not eligible to apply until their grant period has concluded.
- Applicants may not apply to the same program in succession. For example, if you received a 2026 Live Production Grant, you are not eligible to re-apply to the 2027 NPA Live Production Grant..
- If you are a previous grantee with First Peoples Fund (FPF), you must have submitted a final report for any previously awarded FPF Grants.
ORGANIZATION/BUSINESS/COLLECTIVE ELIGIBILITY
- Native led performing arts organizations/ businesses/collectives with experience in traditional and/or contemporary performing arts mediums (theater, music, dance, theater, music, live performance, pow-wow, drumming, 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.
- Lead Applicants of an Organization/Business/Collective must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Lead Applicants of an Organizations/Businesses/Collectives must reside and be based within the U.S.
- Lead Applicants or Organizations/Business/Collectives based outside of the U.S. are ineligible to apply.
- Lead Applicant/Leadership of Organization/Business/Collective 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.
- Director, CEO, Producer, President of Organization, Artistic Director, etc.
- For more information about acceptable documents, please click here.
- PLEASE NOTE: If awarded, Lead Applicants will be the signatory listed on all First Peoples Fund
documents and financial forms. Please ensure the Lead Applicant is in agreement with this responsibility.
- Applicants may not be enrolled in any academic, degree-conferring program.
- Activities that are part of an applicant’s coursework at an institution of higher learning will not be
considered, i.e. senior or thesis exhibitions, juried student shows, etc.
- Current FPF grantees of Native Arts Ecology Building, Weaving Kinship, Rooted Pathways & Community Spirit Award are not eligible to apply until their grant period has concluded.
- Organizations/Businesses/Collectives may not apply to the same program in succession.
- For example, if you received a 2026 NPA Live Production grant, you are not eligible to re-apply to the
2027 NPA Live Production Grant..
- 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 2027 - November 2027, if funded
- Proposed live productions that are still in development, either in writing retreats or workshops, will not be
considered.
- 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.
- Examples of live production needs to consider for your proposed project can include (but are not limited to): Cost associated with hosting virtual or in-person gatherings such as venue fees, catering, AV equipment rental, and travel stipends, Artists’ salaries, contractor fees, rental costs for rehearsals, hiring light and sound engineers, working with a tour manager or producer to tour, insurance costs for talent and venues, advertising online, by print, or on social media for projects, equipment costs (microphones, speakers, etc.).
- Proposed budgets should be grounded in needs and goals to ensure a live production is completed between February-November 2027.Consider what resources or support you will need in order to produce your intended live production with the grant funding provided. Examples of live productions can include (but are not limited to): Staging an original or re-adapted play, hosting a music event, choreographing a dance piece, collaborating with other artists for a live performance, etc.
SELECTION PROCESS
Through a two-stage review process, FPF will award a one-year $30,000 grant to individual Native performing artists and/or Native-led organizations/businesses who meet eligibility requirements.
Stage 1: Following the submission of LPG applications, FPF will internally review and advance those that meet all the eligibility criteria and that best fit the purpose of the Live Production Grant.
Stage 2: 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.
GRANT INFORMATION
- Grant amount: $30,000.
- 30,000 will be disbursed once initial paperwork and orientation items are completed.
- Grant Period: January 1, 2027 - December 30th, 2027.
TO APPLY
Native performing artists/organizations/businesses/collectives must create, practice, and perform within the field of performing arts (traditional or contemporary), such as theater, music, dance, playwriting, and live performance.
A completed application includes an Application submission in Submittable. Applications and Reference Letters sent over email will not be considered. Below are the following components of a completed Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant application:
Applicant Information
Proposed Live Production Information
Reference Letters
Supporting Documents (uploads)
Click the link to see an overview of the LPG- Individual Application.
Click the link to see an overview of the LPG - Organization Application.
TIMELINE
- Application Opens: Wednesday, May 27th , 8am MST
- Application Closes: Wednesday, July 8th , 5:59pm MST
SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT: Applicants will be notified of their application status by Mid-November 2026. Public announcements of grantees will be made in early 2027.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Natalie Benally, Program Manager of Performing Arts, with any questions by calling 505-278-0412, or via email at: natalie@firstpeoplesfund.org.