Native Art Now! is a new exhibition of some of the best contemporary Native American artworks of the past 25 years, on view at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, Ind. through January 28, 2018. The field of contemporary Native art takes center stage in Indianapolis as the exhibit opening coincides with a gathering of leading Native artists, scholars and others for roundtable discussions, accompanied by a Native Art Now! television documentary and book.
The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation was honored to collaborate with the Eiteljorg’s artist convening and exhibition opening in November 2017. Our President/CEO Lulani Arquette, Director of Programs, Francene Blythe, and National Leadership Council member John Haworth attended the event, which also counted the presence of several NACF and Eiteljorg fellows. Additionally, Mr. Haworth, Ms. Blythe and several NACF Artist Fellows were interviewed for the companion documentary by wyfi Indianapolis, which is an insightful look at today’s field of contemporary Native arts.
As NACF’s own Director of Programs Francene Blythe explains: “The challenges of contemporary Native arts… is, I think, primarily resources! Whether that’s financial or whether that’s collaborative, because you meet people by whatever means…but maybe you live maybe across the country, and how do you brainstorm and work together on something collaborative? I think also challenges are that once you get the work done, is getting recognition, getting exposure, getting people to see it, educating people about your work and getting them to understand it.”
The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is proud of its role within the growing movement to support the flourishing creativity of today’s Native artists. Our non-profit began its public programs in 2009 with a vision to listen to our artists, and to provide them and their communities with meaningful support that empowers their collective voice. As our 10-year anniversary approaches, we are so grateful to do our part, and grateful to those of you out there who so generously give to this fund.
We are thrilled to support the Eiteljorg’s work, and hope you’ll make the time to watch this fascinating documentary – featuring the insights of so many NACF Fellows and friends.