Applications are open to: 

• BIPOC artists, cultural practitioners, and collaboratives that are based in WESTAF’s region, regardless of immigration status; 
• Those who work with and for community;
• Those who are at least 18 years of age; and,
• Those who are in good standing with WESTAF, with no overdue or delinquent reports or documentation.
• In addition to meeting the criteria above, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people with disabilities, low-income and individuals residing in rural, remote or frontier areas are highly encouraged to apply.

Can I apply if I’m moving to one of the eligible states or jurisdictions?

• If this is the case, please contact our Grants team to discuss your situation at grants@westaf.org.

In the spirit of liberatory grantmaking and trust-based philanthropy, this application focuses more on the artist than the artwork. We welcome applicants to respond to the prompts to the best of their ability, sharing their most authentic self — as a person and not just an artist.

Applicants are not constrained to a certain medium; alternative forms of response are welcome. 

Reviewers will use a 1-10 scale to assist in the selection process with the following questions guiding application review:

• Does the candidate have a strong sense of how identity relates to their creative practice? 
• Has the candidate articulated their specific needs? 
• Can the candidate strongly express their practice and how they plan to further develop it?
• Does the candidate have a strong and thoughtful connection to community?

  Applicants should expect to hear by Monday, May 6, 2024.

Applicants are not required to provide supplemental information. However, as this is a highly competitive program, applicants are encouraged to strongly consider if the inclusion of supplemental materials might affect their applications.

All artist awardees will participate in group coaching sessions to provide support to artists in their creative process, to strengthen their networks and to provide a safe space for collective care. Coaching sessions will be led by WESTAF staff and utilize Artist Thrive resources.
Session dates + times are below.

Monthly Sessions: Mondays*, 6:00pm-8:00 p.m. Mountain Time (MT)

• SESSION #1 – June 3, 2024
• SESSION #2 – July 1, 2024
• SESSION #3 – August 5, 2024
• SESSION #4 – September 9, 2024

*Due to the wide range of time zones, monthly session start times for residents of the U.S. Jurisdictions in the Pacific region (ChST) will translate into the morning of the next calendar day. Please see below for clarification.

For technical assistance, please contact grants@westaf.org.

Where will this take place? Is it in-person?

• This program is entirely online.

Will there be any out-of-pocket costs associated with participating in the program?

• WESTAF will fully fund this program. Selected awardees do not pay to participate.

Can I reapply if I’m not selected?

• Yes. Future opportunities will be publicized on this website.

Can I apply on behalf of a group of artists or a collective?

• Yes, but the application is only open to individuals and only the individual applying will be granted the award and expected to attend the support sessions. 

Do you have technical support available?

• Yes. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Please reach out to grants@westaf.org 

Can you offer a deadline extension for extenuating circumstances?

• No. 

For a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.