Tribal Arts Grant (Washington)

Tribal Arts Grant

Administering Agency: Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA)

Geographic Scope: Washington state only

Focus Areas:

• Expand arts participation in tribal communities
• Facilitate access to the creative economy
• Support tribal community-directed activities
• Artist fees
• Rent and capital expenses
• Travel costs
• Start-up costs for Native artists
• Wide range of arts activities

Eligibility:

• Federally recognized tribes within Washington state only
• Approximately 29 federally recognized tribes share geography with Washington

Award Details:

• Minimum Amount: $18,000 set aside for each tribe
• Match Requirement: None (grants do not require a match)
• Grant Structure: Government-to-government agreements (Indian Nation Agreements)

Program Context:

• Funded through 2023 legislative appropriation of $1.7 million
• $1 million dedicated to grant funds each biennium
• Two full-time staff positions support the program
• Part of ArtsWA's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan goal to "Deepen Relationships with Tribes"
• Guided by 2022 Native American Ad-Hoc Committee recommendations

Support Services:

• Technical assistance available for application preparation
• Grants structured as government-to-government agreements
• Ensures tribal sovereignty in grant administration

Goals:

• Provide world-class education for Native youth and entrepreneurs
• Encourage prosperous economy where Native communities fully participate
• Support healthy and safe Native communities through arts and cultural learning

Contact Information:

• ArtsWA Tribal Cultural Affairs Manager: Cheryl Wilcox, Cowlitz Indian Tribe
• Program Coordinator: Todd Clark, Wailacki Indian Tribe, Round Valley Indian Tribes
• Website: nasaa-arts.org/washington-tribal-cultural-affairs-program/

Application Process

• Technical Assistance: Available to support preparation of applications
• Grant Structure: Applications completed as Indian Nation Agreements (government-to-government agreements)
• Match Requirement: None required

Application Support

• Government-to-government agreement process developed in consultation with tribal representatives
• Draws on Centennial Accord and Millennium Agreement frameworks

Note: Detailed application procedures and submission deadlines available through Washington State Arts Commission.