Laila Twigg-Smith (12-12-44 to 3-24-98) was a well-known artist, art collector, benefactor, and visionary. Her vibrant aesthetic was evident in her personal style, the exhibitions she curated, and the development of her private art collection. Laila strove to nurture and inspire creativity, and to be a catalyst for positive change in the arts and the greater community. During her lifetime, these ambitions took the form of The Contemporary Museum of Honolulu, which she founded, and with which she remained actively engaged until her death.

The Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund (LAF) was created to carry her ambition forward, for the benefit of the arts and artists of Hawaiʻi and beyond. It aims to nurture and promote Hawaiʻi as a global center for the exchange of contemporary arts and artists. LAF is intended to support projects and initiatives that afford artists opportunities to immerse themselves in new environments, to absorb different influences, and to realize fresh visions.

LAF has an advisory committee of volunteer community members with expertise in the arts who provide recommendations on the fund’s strategy and recommend grant funding.

Artists in Residence 2026

The Artists in Residence grant program supports Hawai‘i nonprofit organizations/programs to host recognized, outstanding artists – including visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, and other performing artists – for long-term residencies in Hawai‘i. During the residency, the artists in residence focus on developing their own artistic practice while engaging with Hawaiʻi-based artists and the broader community through dynamic, meaningful interactions that have the potential for long term impact.

The most recent funding opportunity closed on June 15, 2026. Applications are currently under review.

Contact Elise von Dohlen at evondohlen@hcf-hawaii.org if you have any questions.