Photograph by Sky Hatter for Utah Arts Alliance, courtesy of WESTAF.

Western States Arts Federation

Includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam.

WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation) weaves technology, diverse thought leadership and innovation to energize, network, and fund public sector arts agencies and communities. We assist state arts agencies, arts organizations, and artists in their quest to serve diverse audiences, enrich the lives of local communities, and provide access to the arts and arts education for all. Through innovative programming, advocacy, research, technology, and grantmaking, we encourage the creative advancement and preservation of the arts regionally and through a national network of customers and alliances.

Creativity Explored artist Vincent Jackson shows off one of his artworks to two women visiting the studio.
Creativity Explored artist Vincent Jackson shows off one of his artworks to two women visiting the studio. Photo by Evguenia Shtill, courtesy of WESTAF.
Four actors on stage wearing bright red and white clothes performing Departera: the road to the afterlife.
Teatro Visión’s Departera: the road to the afterlife (2021), courtesy of WESTAF.

Selected WESTAF Opportunities

A group of 20 arts leaders of color smiling and posing on an outdoor street

National Leaders of Color Fellowship

Opportunity (For Individuals)

The National Leaders of Color Fellowship is a strategic leadership development program for BIPOC leaders nationwide who are committed to the advancement of cultural equity in the arts. 

Western States Arts Federation
Western States Arts Federation
A logo that reads ZAPP

ZAPP® (Zapplication)

Resource (For Individuals, Organizations)

The premiere online application and art fair and festival adjudication management platform for collecting, reviewing, and jurying applications. Artists can apply online to multiple art shows using high-quality digital artwork images stored in an online profile.

Western States Arts Federation
Western States Arts Federation
A logo that reads Cafe

CaFÉ™ (Call for Entry)

Resource (For Individuals, Organizations)

The leading online application and adjudication management system used by over 1,500 organizations to manage public art commissions, exhibitions, fellowships, and visual art competitions—with a database of more than 175,000 artists!

Western States Arts Federation
Western States Arts Federation