This competition will next be held at the 2026 NFA Convention in Portland, OR.
The biennial C.R.E.A.T.E. Project Competition (formerly known as the Arts Venture Competition) is designed to reward new thinking and viable, innovative ideas. The new title, Creating Resources through Engagement, Artistry, Teamwork, and Entrepreneurship, encourages flutists to take concrete steps toward giving their ideas life.
The competition seeks projects that approach performance and education in a new way (often through collaboration with communities or other genres or media). Examples of projects that are well suited for the C.R.E.A.T.E Project Competition include, but are not limited to, collaboration with community arts organizations, an online course, a series of performances, an outreach program, etc. Finalists' projects will demonstrate creativity, added value to the flute, and greater musical communities, as well as potential for long-term success.
Entrants may be individuals or teams of up to three people. Teams must include at least one flutist. Entrants are expected to submit multimedia materials that display the full scope of the project, including what has already been accomplished as well as projected goals and successes. Submitted materials may include video (no more than three minutes in length), audio, informational graphics, and documents. All entries must include a current and projected budget, and indication of any outside grant sources or awards.
Four finalists will attend the 2026 NFA Convention in Portland to give a 15-minute presentation summarizing their proposed project to a panel of judges. Finalists will be expected to present a budget and supporting materials for the judges to study in advance of their presentations. The winner or winning team will be awarded a $2,000 project grant. The winner must submit a report documenting how the grant funds were allocated. The winner will also be required to present a report of their project at the following year's convention as part of the Career and Artistic Development Committee's MiniConference.
All entrants must submit their entry, upload recordings/supplemental materials, and pay competition and membership fees by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time, date TBA.
Returning in 2026