Local awardees of the Creative West artist grant pose for a group photo during their orientation on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library
Photo by Maggie Sablan
FIFTEEN CNMI residents received Pacific Jurisdictions Artist Fund grants from Creative West on Saturday. An inter-island virtual orientation was held at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library to congratulate the recipients and distribute their awards. The event opened with a chant by the CNMI’s renowned master navigator, Mario Benito, followed by a prayer and blessing from representatives of Guam and American Samoa.
The CNMI awardees are Alejandro B. Agulto, Antonette Rosemarie T. Labausa, April Repeki, Devine M. Pua, Jan Arriane P. Reyes, Leilani I. Marciano, Leonard Leon, Magdalena Rit R. Santos, Mario Benito, Mary Elizabeth San Nicolas, Susan M. Castro-Cabrera, Tanya O. Salas, Vicente T. Salas II, Victoria Joy Sewell, and William Jr. Adrillano.
Anika Tene, Creative West’s director for grants, awards, and programs, congratulated the recipients and highlighted the theme of the program’s inaugural year, “Meeting the Moment.” She said, “Each of you has met this moment by saying ‘yes’ to your artistry, to your communities, and to your own self-determined creative journeys. We honor your courage in applying, your generosity in sharing your work, and your commitment to your community.”
As reported by Variety in April, the funds are unrestricted, allowing artists and cultural practitioners to use them to support their creative needs, including tools, equipment, travel, rest, mentorship, rent, wellness, or other necessities.
Applicants had to be 18 years of age or older, living in the CNMI, and working in creative fields, such as dance, weaving, food, tattoo, poetry, film, language, the healing arts, and other artistic endeavors. Artists could request up to $6,000, though the average grant awarded was about $1,500. Applicants submitted a creative sample and completed an online application describing their work, their requested amount, why the funds would impact them, and more.
Emma Perez, a member of the CNMI Co-Designers Team, said the grant requires no formal reporting and is flexible enough to support creative time, healing, living expenses, self-care, and more. Other Co-Designers from the CNMI include Leonard Leon, Maggie Sablan, and Patricia Mareham.
Funds for the grant were made possible through the MacKenzie Scott Foundation and administered by Creative West for the Pacific jurisdictions. Individuals from Guam, American Samoa, and the CNMI were selected to co-design the grant guidelines, which launched in April 2025.