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

HCF is currently accepting applications for the Artists in Residence 2026 grant program. Hawaiʻi nonprofit organizations/programs can apply to host artists in residence for a defined period. 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. Artist(s) in residence should be widely recognized, outstanding artists, including visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, and other performing artists. Artists may be based in the continental United States, foreign countries, or Hawaiʻi. For Hawai’i-based artists, the residency must support new relationships with a host organization/program and new forms of community engagement; ongoing or existing collaborations are not eligible.

The deadline to apply online through HCF’s Grants Portal is Monday, June 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. HST.

HCF is offering two virtual Coffee Hour events to share about this Funding Opportunity and answer questions. Register to attend a Coffee Hour event by selecting the link below:

Associated Files:

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