Announcing the National Arts Futures Fellowship Program

Denver, CO, Sept. 15, 2025—Creative West (formerly WESTAF) launches a new fellowship program in partnership with South Arts, National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF): A Call to Action for Early and Mid-Career Arts and Culture Professionals. NAFF is a transformative leadership development program designed to empower early to mid-career arts and culture leaders (up to 15 years of experience) in shaping the future of arts and culture across the nation. 

Building on the 15-year legacy of the National Leaders of Color Fellowship (LoCF), NAFF expands its reach to leaders from all backgrounds while maintaining its core values around care and community. This six-month, virtual fellowship responds to today’s cultural, political, and economic realities by providing a program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging.

Fellows will engage in a curriculum that empowers them to activate personal action projects, creating real-world impact in their communities. LoCF alumni remain central to this new chapter, serving as participants, coaches, and ambassadors, ensuring the program’s legacy continues to thrive.

“NAFF represents an exciting evolution of the work we’ve done over the past 15 years,” said Anika Tené, Director of Grants, Awards, and Programs. “By expanding the program to leaders from all backgrounds, we are continuing to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for the arts and culture sector.”

Applications for the National Arts Futures Fellowship are now open and will close on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply.

Learn More on Our Grants Page

We’re honored to introduce the 2025-26 NAFF fellows and coaches! Learn more about this year’s cohort:

Read the Full Announcement