GO Smart

Calling all early- to mid-career artists/emerging grant writers!

Ready to unlock the secrets of successful grant writing? Join us on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 for our capacity building webinar, “Demystifying Grant Writing for Artists.”

Our expert panel will cover:
Private, state and government funding opportunities
Best practices for strong applications
Resources to find artist grants

Level up your grant writing skills! Register today: https://wearecreativewest.org/2026-capacity-building-webinar-series/

Our latest webinar, “Template Pages: Build Once, Use Everywhere,” is now available on our YouTube channel to watch and share.

Watch the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAycdCSbBrY

Do you have a question, or are you interested in using our Templates? You can explore our other Template resources and contact us to request a free trial or inquire about purchasing the tool for permanent use.

✨ Learn more: https://www.gosmart.org/introducing-page-templates-the-easiest-way-to-build-and-reuse-grant-forms/

✉️ Contact us: [email protected]

🎉 Calling all artists and cultural practitioners in the Creative West region!

The Creative West Artist Fund is now open for applications! This program offers:
No-strings-attached funding
4 months of coaching & community care
A chance to strengthen your practice and deepen your networks

Rooted democracy, wellness, and belonging, this fund celebrates YOU as essential workers in the creative and civic economy.

📅 Don’t wait—apply now! Full program details and dates here 👉 https://creativewestgrants.gosmart.org/

How do you tell your story as an artist?

Join writer and multidisciplinary artist Yvonne Onakeme Etaghene for Storytelling for Impact (Artist Statements & Bios), a virtual session designed to help you articulate your “why” with confidence.

You’ll leave with practical tools and prompts to refine your artist statement and bio, sharing your work in a way that feels authentic to you.

🗓️ Tuesday, November 11
🕓 4–5:30 p.m. MST

This free webinar is for artists and anyone interested in powerful storytelling. Register now and share with a friend: https://wearecreativewest.org/2026-capacity-building-webinar-series/

Reminder: Create, save, and reuse grant forms in seconds with Page Templates! Register now for our webinar and see how this new feature can streamline your workflow.

Details:
⏰ Noon MST
🗓️ Thursday, November 6, 2025

✅ Save your spot now at https://westaf-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/PkL8-0zZQoaUjQpiasYZ6g

Artists in all mediums are invited to join Artists Sunday, the local and national event encouraging consumers to shop with artists, creators and performers on November 30 – the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It’s like Black Friday or Small Business Saturday. Join this free nationwide campaign here: https://artistssunday.com/artists/

Today, Creative West, in partnership with South Arts, launches the National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF), a transformative leadership development program designed to empower those shaping the future of arts and culture.

Building on the 15-year legacy of the National Leaders of Color Fellowship, NAFF expands its reach to leaders from all backgrounds while maintaining its core values of care, community, democracy, wellness, and belonging.
This six-month virtual fellowship offers:

A curriculum rooted in today's cultural, political, and economic realities.
The opportunity to activate personal action projects for real-world impact.
Guidance from LoCF alumni, who will serve as participants, coaches, and ambassadors.

Are you a leader who is passionate about making a difference in your community? We encourage you to apply!

Applications close on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Learn more and apply here: https://ow.ly/4q4j50WWWaH

Last call! The 2025-26 TourWest grant application portal is closing soon.

📅 Deadline: September 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MDT

This is your chance to bring touring performers to your community with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

💻 Submit your application today: https://tourwest.gosmart.org/