Project Guidelines

2025 Program Overview

Available to Tribal enrolled artists, the Native Creative Development Program (NCDP) grant supports projects for individual artists and master/apprentice artists to further develop visual arts practice. We deeply respect and honor the unique art forms—powerful and growing forms of customary art practices from your cultures, lands, and perspectives. Whether you are reclaiming ancient practices or creating contemporary Native art, your distinctive artistic vision, cultural identity, and connection to respective Tribal communities are at the heart of this program.

Artistic Discipline: Visual Arts

This grant is open to artists working in visual art mediums. Examples might include painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and fiber arts. It also encompasses a broad spectrum of customary and culturally significant artistic practices, such as regalia and ceremonial art.

A Focus on One Artistic Form

The projects should aim to define one artistic form to improve skills and take the artist's art form to a higher level. Successful proposals will prioritize one specific art form that significantly contributes to the artist's personal, cultural, and professional development, enriching their overall interpretation and relationship between the form, material, and art practice. An individual artist may seek a mentor to gain skills and knowledge and build cultural practices.

Level of Practice as an Individual Artist

We prioritize practicing artists who have spent time enhancing a specific artistic discipline. This project allows for dedicated focus on your artistic medium regardless of how long you have made art. The length of a creative career is determined by you, your practice, training, apprenticeships, and why the project is important now. 

Eligibility

Tribally enrolled citizen of a federally recognized or state-recognized American Indian Tribe. Documentation of Tribal affiliation is required. Documentation can include a letter from a federally recognized Tribal enrollment office confirming the applicant's affiliation or a photocopy of an enrollment card, including both sides.

Service Area

The individual artist grant is for Tribal enrolled artists residing in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The art must be practiced within the specific cultural community to which it belongs. While all Tribal artists living in these states are welcome to apply, priority will be given to applicants whose Tribe is located in the state where they live.

Evaluation Criteria

The strongest proposals will be those that meet the following criteria:

Outstanding Artistic Project

The project demonstrates a commitment to advancing your visual art practice through disciplined focus. It should elevate your chosen art form and contribute to your technical and creative growth.

Creative Impact

The proposal reflects a meaningful contribution to Native American arts. It explains how the creation of new work—through exploration or tradition—aligns with your artistic experience and cultural voice.

Cultural and Community Involvement

The project has personal significance and demonstrates a strong connection to your community and cultural traditions. It should explain why this work is relevant now.

Project Implementation

The artist demonstrates the ability to carry out the project within the proposed budget and timeline. The plan should be clear, achievable, and thoughtfully organized.

Project Expenses that Will Not Be Funded

• Travel related to art projects (conferences, expos, exhibitions)
• Tuition or academic classes
• Professional development classes or workshops
• Projects that begin before the grant timeline (no retroactive funding)
• Applicants who have received prior grants must complete final reports before reapplying

Award Selection Process

Applications are first reviewed by staff to ensure eligibility and completeness. A panel of Native artists then evaluates eligible proposals convened through the House of Welcome Advisory Board. This panel brings cultural knowledge and artistic experience to guide the decision-making process.

Grant awards are based on the strength of the proposal, its alignment with program goals, and the availability of funding. After final decisions are made, staff compile notes and panel feedback for each application. If your application is not selected, we encourage you to reach out to us. The Program Specialist can offer insight and suggestions to help strengthen future proposals.

Contact Information

For questions about application requirements, guidelines, and eligibility, contact the Program Specialist at mary.kummer@evergreen.edu