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Native Arts and Cultures Foundation
Formation2008 (2008)
Purposegrassroots community organization and outreach to listen to and amplify the voices of the Native arts community
Location
  • Portland, Oregon
Website nativeartsandcultures.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. [1] This philanthropic organization exclusively supports American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian arts and cultures in the United States. [2]

Founding and history

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. [3] [4] The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians near Sacramento, California, committed an additional $1.5 million. [5]

Walter Echo-Hawk (Pawnee) was the founding Chairman of the Board of Directors. Other founding board members were Joy Harjo (Muscokee) poet and musician; Elizabeth Woody (Warm Springs/Wasco/Navajo), writer and cultural specialist from the Warm Springs Reservation; Marshall McKay (Wintun), Chairman of the Rumsey Rancheria; Letitia Chambers, a private consultant, and Buffy St. Marie, the singer/activist. [6]

Artist Fellowships

The NACF awards several Fellowships for Native American Artists working in both traditional and contemporary arts. [7] 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. [8]

Mentor Artist Fellows

References

  1. ^ Pogrebin, Robin (21 April 2009). "New Group is Formed to Sponsor Native Arts". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  2. ^ Koepke, Kelly (28 April 2009). "Native Arts & Culture Foundation supports Indian Country". Indian Country Today Media Network. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  3. ^ Rave, Jodi (18 May 2008). "Multimillion-dollar foundation wil promote Native art". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  4. ^ "Native Arts and Cultures: Research, Growth and Opportunities for Philanthropic Support" (PDF). Grantmakers in the Arts. The Ford Foundation. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  5. ^ Perry, Douglas (29 April 2009). "Native arts foundation launches with Portland base". The Oregonian/Oregon Live. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  6. ^ "National Native Arts and Cultures Foundation". Native American Rights Fund. Archived from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  7. ^ "Native Arts & Culture Foundation Names 2018 Mentor Artist Fellows". Native News Online. 2018-04-18. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  8. ^ "Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Announces Open Call for Mentor Artist Fellowship Applications". www.nbc-2.com. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  9. ^ "2017 MENTOR ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  10. ^ "2017 MENTOR ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  11. ^ "2018 NATIONAL ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  12. ^ "2016 NATIONAL ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  13. ^ "2015 NATIONAL ARTIST FELLOWS". Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Retrieved 2019-10-08.