Introducing the 2026 First Peoples Fund Native Performing Arts Live Production Grantees!
We are honored to announce the second year of Native Performing Arts Live Production Grantees. The 4 grantees represent a diversity of Tribal Nations and bring forth new and original live productions – works include an original Tlingit Opera, an Indigenous Jazz storytelling experience, a collaborative music/visual immersive tour with multiple Native artists, and a new, multimedia play about Wiyot cultural fire practices.
The Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant (LPG) is a program that supports Native-led live performing arts 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).
“We are thrilled to see this program continue to support original and Native-led productions that seek to uplift and expand the growing landscape of Native performing arts,”
says Natalie Benally, Performing Arts Program Manager. “One year after our launch, it is extremely rewarding to see how much these funding programs have helped Native-led work be seen and experienced across our communities.”
This program represents a $120,000 investment in Native-led live productions and performance artists, whose innovative work is essential to expanding the Indigenous Arts Ecology.
Congratulations to the Native Performing Arts Live Production Grantees!
Explore the profiles of our fellows and learn more about their inspiring journeys and contributions to Indigenous art and culture. Let's celebrate their achievements and support their continued success as they enrich and elevate our communities.
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