lift program

We encourage artists who are shaping their practices and for whom the award may serve as a launching point in their career to apply.

ABOUT THE LIFT PROGRAM The LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artists program will provide critical support to early career Native artists with one-year awards to develop and realize new projects. The program encourages artists to uplift communities, advance positive social change, point courageously toward environmental sustainability, and foster communal meaning-making. The program will consist of a suite of activities that includes grantmaking, artist professional development, and artist convening. The primary objectives of this opportunity are to support artists who are developing their voices and for whom the award may serve as a launching point in their careers.

PROGRAM SERVICES Grantmaking: One-year awards of $10,000. Professional development: Artist awardees will participate in training facilitated by NACF and its partner organizations that are designed to provide education around project management, small business development, career advancement, and artistic development. Convening: Current recipient artists will gather to share best practices and develop relationships. Culturally Appropriate Evaluation: Support from NACF to develop project deliverables, outcomes, and internal/external NACF program reports. Communications and marketing support. In response to a pandemic environment, some of these services will be offered in virtual environments, as needed or possible.