Intent

As part of NDN Collective’s mission to Defend, Develop and Decolonize, Radical Imagination Artists and Culture Bearers will:

Mirror Shield Action, Cannupa Hanska Luger

Practice

Imagine and practice justice within their communities

Billboard by Gregg Deal

Amplify

Amplify community voices to counter inequitable government and corporate policies and practices

Through artistic creativity, the hearts and minds of each artist will bring forward the new vision and new normal for just and equitable behaviors and structures, so that the dimensions of structural racism (culturally, historically, institutionally, politically and ideologically) are dismantled and a better world is rebuilt and assembled. As NDN Collective, we are unapologetically NDN. We believe in the power, the creativity, the audacity and the commitment of artists, culture bearers and designers to create and imagine new paths, new futures, and new worlds.

We invite you as Indigenous artists to imagine, design and create projects that propose solutions to our most intractable societal problems. Whether it be protecting the health and wellbeing of communities from the COVID-19 Pandemic, clean water, earth-centered economies, Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, renewable energy or sustainable agriculture, or law enforcement reforms, we invite you to use your art and the Radical Imagination Artist grant as a platform to amplify your work as a viable solution.

GRANT DETAILS

10 Indigenous artists/culture bearers of all traditions, mediums and genres will be awarded grants of $50,000. Artists may propose a one year budget that includes a living stipend, as well as support for the supplies and equipment necessary to publicly amplify the work and develop a community messaging platform. 12% of funds must also support artist self-care, health and well-being. Grant funds are considered taxable income and artists will be responsible for managing related income tax related standards. Artists must report and share their creative progress on a quarterly basis. Funds will be distributed in accordance with a 12-month work plan and projected budget.

the 2021 Radical Imagination LOI Submission phase has closed.

Please consider applying in 2022!

Please submit your Letter of Interest and samples of your work by June 18th, 2021 at 5pm MST.

It is best to register and complete log-in credentials  before the grant deadline on June 18.  Any attempts to register later than 3 p.m.  Mountain Standard Time on June 18  does not guarantee availability for technical support or submission by the 5 p.m. deadline.  Registration ends at 3 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on June 18, 2021. 

Applicants must have demonstrated experience in producing or co-designing community art projects, managing funds and willingness to participate in broader community dialogue or participatory research.

Grant Selection Information

Full Grant Applications will be invited in late July based on review of Letters of Interest (LOI). Full Grant Applications are expected to be submitted in August 2021. Final Artists Selection expected to be made by September 30, 2021. Radical Imagination Artist project start dates will begin shortly thereafter.