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The Purpose:
To cultivate entrepreneurial artists to a small business level (consistent
and reliable income) where business concepts are understood and
applied.
The Strategy:
- First Peoples Fund finds and selects four "Fellows"
per year based on demonstrated artistic talent, evidence of
possessing the qualities of an
entrepreneur1, and indication of embodying the
values2 of First Peoples Fund.
- Those selected are provided with a one year fellowship
with one on one
technical and business assistance, one year of group trainings, and access to national
markets and shows.
The Philosophy:
First Peoples Fund believes that artists who are successful in
business have accomplished this success as a result of establishing
a balance between their personal needs, values, and gifts with their
business skills, opportunities, and demands. Consequently,
First Peoples Fund seeks individuals who are interested in finding
a balance between these two aspects of self. Likewise, First
Peoples Fund incorporates this balanced approach in all their
trainings making sure that equal attention is spent on developing an
individual's heart and wisdom along with their business skills and
abilities.
Eligibility:
1. Artist applicants must be in mid career in their experience in
marketing their art at Indian art markets, galleries, and have
wholesale experience,
2. Must be a member of a Northern Great Plains tribe located in
South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Lower and
Upper Dakota of Minnesota or a tribe from the Plateau region of
Idaho, Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington. Affiliated Canadian
First Nations artist applicants are eligible.
3. Must demonstrate a strong vision and articulated plan for
implementing effective market strategies over the one-year
fellowship period and will effectively use this opportunity to
explore New Works and demonstrate marketing initiative effectively.
The
Process:
The Artist-in-Business Leadership Program is designed for
established artists (10 or more years experience in the Indian art
business)
who have chosen art as a means to obtain economic self-sufficiency for
their family and to establish them as independent, credible artists
with viable community based businesses.
This independent business arts fellowship is a one-year
self-directed program that provides artists with technical
assistance, access to capital and new marketing opportunities.
The program provides independent fellowship “business” experiences
that will be supported by individualized training, and working
capital funds to strengthen their marketing strategies. The
fellowship also provides a focus on new work to stimulate creativity
and a renewal of energy in Native art expression.
Fellowship selections are made through a two step process:
(1) a pre-selection of candidates will be made upon review of the
completed applications by a national review committee
(2) a final selection after in-person interviews with the full
review committee.
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