Native Launchpad 2022 - Call for Applications

Applications for WAA’s 2022 Native Launchpad program opened today.

2021 Native Launchpad artists, Madeline Sayet, Charly Lowry, Julia Keefe, and Elexa Dawson.

Native Launchpad is the cornerstone program of Advancing Indigenous Performance (AIP), WAA’s national initiative to create new touring and presentation opportunities for US-based Indigenous performing artists. 

Now in its fifth annual cycle, the Native Launchpad program helps create opportunity and sustainability for individual Native artists through financial support, career development opportunities, strategic promotion and networking.

Under this year’s program, four awardees will each receive direct financial and travel support, mentoring/coaching, career development and promotional benefits over three years — a package valued at $40,000. Native Launchpad will also select a cohort of up to five AIP Associate Artists to access career development and networking resources through the program.

Applications, which are open to Native performing artists residing in the US and territories, are being accepted through 5pm PT on Wednesday April 27.

The Advancing Indigenous Performance (AIP) program is made possible by a lead grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with additional support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).  

Native Launchpad is one of two opportunities the AIP program has announced this month — the second being the new Native Artist Opportunity Fund.