Creation Fund (Phase I of the Creation & Development Fund)
The NPN Creation Fund supports early-stage creation of new artistic works advancing racial and cultural justice, emphasizing collaboration between artists and arts organizations.
Funder: National Performance Network
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Creation Fund full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Minimum $15,000 per project (includes $11,000 NPN award + $4,000–$6,000 co-commissioner matches); typically supports 18–23 projects per cycle.
Summary: Supports early-stage new artistic work advancing racial and cultural justice through collaborative commissioning among artists and arts organizations.
Key Information: Requires application by an artist with at least two co-commissioners (one must be an NPN National Partner).
Description
The Creation Fund (Phase I of the National Performance Network’s Creation & Development Fund) provides early-stage support for the creation of new artistic work that advances racial and cultural justice and fosters live, experiential exchange between artists and communities. The program is structured around collaborative commissioning: artists apply with a team that includes at least two arts organizations (co-commissioners), one of which must be an NPN National Partner. The fund is designed to strengthen relationships among artists, organizations, and communities, increase the capacity of organizations to commission new work, and serve as a catalyst for further development and public engagement. Projects supported by the Creation Fund are eligible for subsequent Development Fund and Mobility support through NPN.
