The Generative Performing Artist Award, launched by Charlotte Street in 2008, provides annual support to outstanding generative performing artists in the Kansas City region. Designed as a counterpart to the Visual Artist Awards, this program seeks to foster the creation of original and innovative work in dance, theater, music, performance art, spoken word, and interdisciplinary performance forms. Since its inception, the program has awarded a total of $210,000 to 25 artists, recognizing their contributions to the performing arts and helping to further their artistic and professional development.

Each year, two artists are selected to receive unrestricted cash grants of $10,000 each, offering them the freedom to use the funds as needed to support their artistic endeavors. The awards aim to recognize not only the accomplishments of these artists but also their potential for continued innovation and growth in the field of generative performance. The focus on original and progressive work ensures that the awards support artists who push the boundaries of their disciplines and contribute significantly to the contemporary performing arts landscape.

The selection process is managed by a rotating panel of Awards Advisors, who are responsible for nominating artists from the Kansas City area. The panel evaluates nominees based on the quality of their past work, their accomplishments, and the potential impact of their future projects. Additionally, the relevance of the artists' work to the broader field of contemporary performance is considered, ensuring that the award recipients are not only locally significant but also contribute to the national and international performing arts dialogue.

Since 2016, recipients of the Generative Performing Artist Award have also been given the opportunity to present their work in conjunction with the exhibition for the Visual Artist Award. This integration of visual and performing arts provides a unique platform for the awarded artists, allowing them to reach new audiences and gain further exposure.

The Generative Performing Artist Award plays a crucial role in supporting the performing arts in Kansas City by providing financial backing and professional recognition to artists who are at the forefront of creating new and experimental work. This program not only nurtures individual talent but also enriches the cultural fabric of the city, making it a more dynamic and attractive place for artists to live and work. Through its commitment to supporting contemporary performance, Charlotte Street continues to act as a vital catalyst for the region’s artistic growth and innovation.