Introducing the 2022 Native Launchpad Awardees
Anthony Aiu; image credit: Stefan Mreczko
Tau - Peter Rockford Espiritu; image credit: Chris Rohrer
James Pakootas; image credit: Josh New
Javier Stell-Frésquez; image credit: ShäV.Fotos
Congratulations to this year’s Native Launchpad awardees, Anthony Aiu, Tau - Peter Rockford Espiritu, James Pakootas, and Javier Stell-Frésquez.
Native Launchpad — the cornerstone program of WAA’s Advancing Indigenous Performance (AIP) initiative — is a highly competitive national grant program, created to provide US-based Indigenous artists with tools and resources needed to further their careers and deepen their connection to the world of arts presenting and management.
Anthony, Tau, James, and Javier were selected for the program by a national panel of Indigenous arts leaders and creatives. Over the next three years, the four awardees will receive direct financial and travel support, mentoring and coaching, professional development opportunities, and promotional benefits, valued at $40,000. They will also perform in the 2023 WAA Annual Conference Official Showcase program in Seattle, Washington.
AIP deepens support for Indigenous performing artists and touring networks in ways that are rooted in the shared values of openness, inclusion, equity and generosity. The initiative aims to provide educational and career development resources for US-based Indigenous artists and presenters that will build audiences for Indigenous performing arts.
“The Native Launchpad program provides Indigenous performers with the tools and networks needed to build sustainable careers as touring artists; it also weaves them into the global conversation regarding the evolution of the field. First Nations artists are positioned to have a significant impact on how climate change, justice and purpose are addressed in the ecology of performing arts presenting, through their values, communities and practices,” said AIP program manager, Ed Bourgeois
Congratulations to Anthony, Tau, James, and Javier! Learn more about them and their work below.
Advancing Indigenous Performance (AIP) was established in 2018 by the Western Arts Alliance with generous lead support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
