A national fellowship award for American Indian artists

First Peoples Fund chooses its Community Spirit Awardees for their commitment to sustaining the cultural values of native people. Artists are absolutely central to producing the tangible, visible forms of creation that help the people know who they are.  They manifest the tools that support the spiritual practices of the people:  the beadwork and clothing that prepare the dancers for the dance; the pipes for ceremony; the drums and rattles for the songs and prayers.  Visioning is an important part of all native cultures, and producing art gives presence to the visions of the people.

The same Spirit that guides artists' work also drives artists to do service in their communities.  Artists convey the sacred meanings behind the materials they use.  Artists honor the eagle and the grass in the crafting of the bows and arrows, the baskets, the dance regalia, the headdresses.  When artists show the meaning of the beautiful things they make, it helps heal the Peoples spirits and shows how others can also give back.

The process of bringing spirit back to community is an important responsibility for artists - it is part of a sacred honor system.  First Peoples Fund works strengthen that honor system by recognizing these exceptional artists for knowing themselves, honoring others, and sustaining spirit in their own communities.

Community Spirit Awards are national fellowship awards for established artists who have demonstrated substantial contributions to their community through their careers as artists.  In the spirit of giving First Peoples Fund honors American Indian artists who exemplify their traditional cultural values and way of life through the sharing of their creative talents and skills with others in the community.

Previous Year Community Spirit Award winners are eligible to participate in our Cultural Capital Grant Program.  This program's purpose is to further the work of CSA recipients.

Nominees must be:

• Practicing artists of demonstrated maturity in their field.

• Continually practicing artists for a minimum of 10 years.

• Documented affiliate of an United states tribe.

Note:  In addition to Visual Arts, this year First Peoples Fund is expanding it's recognition of practicing artists to include contemporary and traditional forms of Performing Arts and Literary Arts.

Fellowships will be awarded to artists who demonstrate:

• An artistic practice that passes on the traditions and the life ways of the people.

• A commitment to building the strength of native communities by sharing their skills and talents with others in their respective communities; and

• Deeply rooted and maintain direct ties to their tribal community.

Nomination Procedure

• Nominate online or send a postcard to include complete names and addresses of both nominee and nominator to PO Box 2977, Rapid City, SD  57709.

• Nominated candidates must be from an American Indian community.

• Applications will be mailed out after nomination deadline has passed.

• The completed application (nominator and artist) must be postmarked by the date specified on the application.

• The artist's application must include a copy of his or her resume.

• The artist must submit most recent examples of his or her artwork.  Include 5 images on CD Rom or 5 photos.  Please include the details of your work, medium, dimensions and the year completed.  CD Rom and photos will not be returned.

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Selection Process and Expectations

• A national selection committee will review nominees and select four awardees from those that meet the outlined qualifications.

• Fellowship recipients will receive $5,000 designed to give them the opportunity to "practice their art."

• Fellowship recipients will receive their award at a ceremony which is presented each year usually in December.  An art exhibit is also usually held at the same location of previous year Community Spirit Award recipients.

• First Peoples Fund will provide travel and hotel accommodations.

• Fellowship recipients will be required to submit a written report and participate in an interview with First Peoples Fund staff at the completion of their fellowship year.