National Performance Network > What We Do > National Subsidy Programs > Creation Fund
Creation Fund
Support for the research and development of new performances is rare, and funding sources often require artists and presenters to define new works before that process has even begun. The Creation Fund was established to provide direct and unencumbered assistance to the process of creation and to encourage others to do the same.
The NPN Creation Fund contributes a minimum of $13,000 directly to artists toward the commissioning of new work. NPN Partners apply for Creation Fund support for projects by artists who live either outside or inside the initiating NPN Partner’s community. This flexibility encourages NPN Partners to work with emerging artists in their own communities while introducing and promoting these artists’ work to the NPN Partners at large.
There are two elements to Creation Fund Projects:
Commissioning
A Creation Fund projects begin with an artist or artist company, at least two presenting organizations (“commissioners”) in different communities (one of which is an NPN Partner), and a vision for a new work. Each commissioner agrees to contribute at least $2,000 to commission the artist to create the new work. With an increased commitment from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation in FY15, NPN now provides a $9,000 subsidy to leverage commissioners’ resources.
Performance Residency
The commissioners have a three-year period within which they are required to present the commissioned artist for a one- or two-week Performance Residency. Creative control remains with the artist. In the event that the piece is deemed “untourable” or the work has changed drastically from the original vision, the commissioner is still obliged to present the artist, but may present another piece of work.
Benefits of the Creation Fund
Link to profiles of Creation Fund and other NPN-subsidized projects.
The Creation Fund is supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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Patterned after NPN's model performing arts program, the Visual Artists Network was launched in 2007 as a pilot, and in 2009 the program was formally established through the induction of the VAN Partners, fifteen leading contemporary arts organizations from across the United States.
The boundaries between the performing and visual arts are more than blurred: "Performance art" on the stage and "installations" in a gallery. Using the residency model of a touring performing artist, VAN is a way for the visual artist to engage in community.
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Accounts are assigned to NPN/VAN Partners, staff and board. If you need an account assigned to you, please contact the national office.
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