Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

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Native Arts and Cultures Foundation
Formation2008 (2008)[1]
Founded atVancouver, Washington[1]
Legal statusactive
Purposegrassroots community organization and outreach to listen to and amplify the voices of the Native arts community
Location
Servicesarts and culture fellowships
President and CEO
Shyla Spicer (Yakama)
Websitenativeartsandcultures.org

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports Native American artists, culture bearers, and Native-led arts organizations, providing them with support through fellowships and project funding.[2] This philanthropic organization exclusively supports American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian arts and cultures in the United States.[3]

NACF's president and CEO is Shyla Spicer, MBA, PMP (Yakama).[4]

Founding and history[edit]

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, founded in 2008, is funded by contributions from the public, foundations, corporations, and affiliated organizations. It was launched with a $10 million commitment from the Ford Foundation, following a feasibility study demonstrating the need and interest in such an endowment.[5][6] The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians near Sacramento, California, committed an additional $1.5 million.[7]

Walter Echo-Hawk (Pawnee) was the founding Chairman of the Board of Directors. Other founding board members were Joy Harjo (Mvskoke) poet and musician; Elizabeth Woody (Warm Springs/Wasco/Navajo), writer and cultural specialist from the Warm Springs Reservation; Marshall McKay (Yocha Dehe Wintun, 1952–2021), chairman of the Rumsey Rancheria; Letitia Chambers, a private consultant, and Buffy St. Marie, the singer/activist.[8]

NACF was formerly headquartered inn Vancouver, Washington.[1] Lulani Arquette (Native Hawaiian) served as the founding president[1] until December 2023.[4]

Infrastructure[edit]

In 2020, the NACF was given Yale Union building in Portland, Oregon, as part of the #LandBack movement.[4] The organizations hosts free monthly community tours through the space and holds changing art exhibitions there.[4]

Artist Fellowships[edit]

The NACF awards several Fellowships for Native American artists working in a range of visual, performing, and literary arts.[9] These include the National Artist Fellowship, Regional Arts Fellowships, and the Mentor Artist Fellowship. As of 2019, the Foundation has supported over 300 individual artists and arts organizations spanning 32 states. [10]

Mentor Artist Fellows[edit]

2018 [11]

2017 [12]

National Artist Fellows[edit]

2018 [13]

2016 [14]

2015 [15]

Upper Midwest Artist Fellowships[edit]

2015

2014

Additional projects[edit]

In 2013, through the Bridge Initiative: Art + Health, NACF funded four programs supporting health and vitality of Native communities in California.[1]

In January 2023, NACF published a literary anthology, The Larger Voice: Celebrating the Work of Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Literature Fellows. Rena Priest (Lummi Nation), Washington State Poet Laureate edited the book, and NACF board member and U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Mvskoke) contributed a forward.[16]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Native Arts & Cultures Foundation". 'Philanthropy News Digest. March 25, 2014.
  2. ^ Pogrebin, Robin (21 April 2009). "New Group is Formed to Sponsor Native Arts". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  3. ^ Koepke, Kelly (28 April 2009). "Native Arts & Culture Foundation supports Indian Country". Indian Country Today Media Network. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d Hale, Jamie (January 29, 2024). "Meet the new leader working to turn Portland into a hub for Native arts and culture". The Oregonian. Oregonian Media Group.
  5. ^ Rave, Jodi (18 May 2008). "Multimillion-dollar foundation will promote Native art". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  6. ^ "Native Arts and Cultures: Research, Growth and Opportunities for Philanthropic Support" (PDF). Grantmakers in the Arts. The Ford Foundation. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  7. ^ Perry, Douglas (29 April 2009). "Native arts foundation launches with Portland base". The Oregonian/Oregon Live. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  8. ^ "National Native Arts and Cultures Foundation". Native American Rights Fund. Archived from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  9. ^ "Native Arts & Culture Foundation Names 2018 Mentor Artist Fellows". Native News Online. 2018-04-18. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  10. ^ "Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Announces Open Call for Mentor Artist Fellowship Applications". www.nbc-2.com. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  11. ^ "2017 MENTOR ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  12. ^ "2017 MENTOR ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  13. ^ "2018 NATIONAL ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  14. ^ "2016 NATIONAL ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  15. ^ "2015 NATIONAL ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  16. ^ Schilling, Vincent (January 8, 2023). "Native Arts and Cultures Foundation's "Larger Voice" publication available as a free download". Native Viewpoint.

External links[edit]

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