Creative West

10/09/2026

In Samoan culture, taupou represents a young woman who embodies her community's heritage through dance, grace, and tradition.

For Tuifa'asisina Korina Seiuli Lee, it's a life's calling. 👑
For over 20 years, Korina has worked to preserve the Samoan Siva Fa'ataupou and the traditional Tuiga Fafau headdress, key symbols of cultural heritage.

Korina's teaching has inspired young women in American Samoa and beyond, passing down not just the art of dance but a deep connection to their cultural roots and shared heritage.

A source of identity, belonging, and connection passed to the next generation.

We’re honored to feature Korina’s story as part of our Arts Education Storytelling Series, celebrating her dedication to preserving cultural traditions and inspiring future generations.

Discover Korina's full story now on the Creative West website. 🔗 https://wearecreativewest.org/keeping-the-dance-alive-the-world-of-ascachs-korina-seiuli-lee/

10/01/2026

There's still time for Arts Service Organizations (ASOs) to take part in the 2026 National ASO Survey! Share your story with ADC Consulting before the survey closes on Friday, October 9.

The knowledge generated through this research will be open data and belong to and benefit the field, helping organizations, artists, and arts workers better find, understand, advocate for, and support one another.

🗳️ Take the survey
📄 Download a copy of all the questions
❓ Find the FAQs
🎟️ Explore the raffle prizes you can win
🎉 Register for a Survey Taking Party
👀 and much more!

Access the survey at consultingadc.com/2026NationalASOSurvey.

09/25/2026

One week left to apply! ⏳ Applications for the National Arts Futures Fellowship close Sunday, Oct. 4 at 11:59 p.m. MT.

Free program. Seed funding. A national network ready for you to be a part of.

Complete your application → https://creativewestgrants.gosmart.org/

09/23/2026

09/21/2026

Tomorrow's the day! There's still time to grab your spot.

Our webinar on how Colorado passed A-Corp legislation happens tomorrow, September 22, from 4–5 p.m. Mountain Time. If you've been meaning to RSVP, this is your last chance.

We won't just cover what passed. We'll walk through the honest, step-by-step story of how it happened — the partnerships, the strategy, and the practical moves you can take to advance similar legislation in your own state.

You'll hear from two people who were in the room:

🎙️ Josh Blanchard — Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
🎙️ Meredith Badler — Colorado Business Committee for the Arts
🎙️ Moderator: Cynthia Chen — Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Creative West

If moving arts and culture policy forward where you live matters to you, this hour is worth holding.

Join us tomorrow at 4 p.m. MT. We'd love to have you there. RSVP here: https://westaf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mbBy7eDARMCXZ___e1U6Pg #/registration

09/15/2026

⏰ One week to go — and your seat is waiting!

Our webinar on how Colorado passed A-Corp legislation is almost here: Monday, September 22, 4–5 p.m. Mountain Time. If you've been meaning to RSVP, now's the moment — the deadline is close.

This isn't just the story of what passed. It's an honest look at how it happened: the partnerships, the strategy, and the real work behind turning an idea into policy you can carry back to your own state.

You'll hear from two people who were in the room:

🎙️ Josh Blanchard: Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
🎙️ Meredith Badler: Colorado Business Committee for the Arts
🎙️ Moderator: Cynthia Chen — Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Creative West

If advancing arts and culture where you live matters to you, this hour is worth holding.

RSVP now — we'd love to have you with us. https://westaf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mbBy7eDARMCXZ___e1U6Pg #/registration

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

Applications are officially OPEN. 🎉 Step into your power as a civic leader and cultural innovator through the National Arts Futures Fellowship. Free program, $250–$1,000 in seed funding, national network.

Apply before Oct 5 → https://creativewestgrants.gosmart.org/

Join us for one of our upcoming information sessions on September 17:

🔗 Register for 11 a.m. MT’s Session: https://westaf-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Qq--nFeIS-Ca_c0el1B2Fw

🔗 Register for 6 p.m. MT’s Session: https://westaf-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/9xXrtiL5RWG7IbUGSUDONQ

09/09/2026

The Alaska State Council on the Arts is redefining accessibility in the arts! Through their partnership with GO Smart and the innovative work of Charlie Sears, ASCA is using AI to make arts programming more inclusive and impactful.

Discover how they’re streamlining grant administration while leading the charge for accessibility through Charlie's groundbreaking tool, The ALT Text Company (https://alttextcompany.com/).

Read the story: https://www.gosmart.org/fostering-creativity-and-accessibility-with-the-alaska-state-council-on-the-arts/

Longtime GO Smart client and passionate advocate for the arts, the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) is making a significant impact on the western region’s creative industries. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, the Council is dedicated to its mission: “Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) rep...

09/08/2026

Something big is on the way for arts and culture leaders. 🌱 The National Arts Futures Fellowship returns September 14—a six-month program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging.

Start dreaming up your personal action project now, and we will see you on the 14th!