Our First Five Years Native Arts and Cultures Foundation 2009 – 2013 Mission To promote the revitalization, appreciation and perpetuation of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian arts and cultures. We Believe Native Arts and Cultures: Vision Values • Bring a valuable perspective to contemporary life; Native arts and cultures are growing and revitalized. Courage • Inspire healing within Indigenous communities We envision supporting the creation and sharing of We owe it to future generations to break through all and among Native peoples and the broader new works by emerging and seasoned Native artists barriers that limit our potential and forge new fron- population; and strengthening the infrastructure that supports tiers with a courageous spirit. Native arts and cultures. We envision supporting Na- • Provoke thought, spark discussion, explore solu- tive culturemakers and cultural bearers in transmit- Generosity tions and add a vital contribution to our communi- ting art and cultures to next generations. Giving to those who genuinely express a part of ties and world. themselves through the arts and expand deeper ap- Native arts and cultures are connected with other sec- preciation for Native cultures is at the core of our tors of society. philanthropy. We Are Grateful to You for Helping NACF: We envision strengthening the connection of indig- enous cultural knowledge and practices to other sec- Creativity • Support 85 Native artists and organizations tors through art, research, education, and convening. across 22 states, allowing them to reach more Trusting our intuition and connection to the Creator We wish to facilitate the inclusion of Native artists, than 842,000 people; helps us bring forth our fullest imagination, inspira- culture bearers, and cultural teachers in efforts tion and effort. We strive to always be in the process • Enable NACF awardees to present, produce or ex- where representatives from multiple disciplines are of creation, for this is where our greatest achieve- hibit at 300 cultural events; convened, with a particular focus on the environment, ments happen. health, education, and technology. • Engage 146,000 active participants to attend workshops or trainings and to experience art by Respect Native arts and cultures are supported by new NACF awardees. We encourage an environment of respect for differ- philanthropy. ence, the humanity of others, and diverse arts and We envision the building of Native philanthropy that cultures, and we nurture all life forms while in the supports Native arts and cultures. We wish to pursue course of our daily lives and working with others. philanthropic partnerships with foundations, trusts, and corporations in order to leverage financial and Commitment other resources. We envision building a network of individual giving that provides a way for people to We are committed to the long journey, seeing beyond engage with, support, and appreciate Native arts what we need right now and following through with and cultures. patience, perseverance and passion. Our collective responsibility is to honor the wisdom and knowledge of seven generations back and the evolvement and enlightenment of seven generations ahead. Table of Contents Mission, Vision and Values Inside, Front Letters from the Chairman and the President/CEO p. 2 Background on Indigenous Arts and Cultures p. 3 How We Work p. 4 Strengthening the Bones National Native Arts Convening p. 6 Challenges to Overcome p. 7 Program Regions p. 8 Support Awarded 2010–2013 p. 9 Individual Artist Fellowships p. 10 Community-Based Initiatives p. 13 Support for the Field p. 17 Future Programming p. 18 Grantees by Region p. 19 Thank You p. 20 Financial Statements p. 24 Image courtesy Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance nativeartsandcultures.org Dear Friends, Aloha Kākou (Greetings to All of You), It is an honor for me to address you we are as Native peoples. At NACF, we It is a special honor for me to serve as They can contribute to one’s livelihood as Chairman of the Board of Directors envision a society where flourishing the first president and chief executive and – perhaps most important – be a of the Native Arts and Cultures Foun- Native arts and cultures are essential officer of the Native Arts and Cultures nexus of connectivity in a world that is dation and to introduce this Five Year to the overall integrity of the cultural Foundation. From the outset, our inten- deeply diverse. They provide inspiration Anniversary report, which represents a landscape. tions have remained steadfast: In part- and a means to contemplate pressing culmination of the efforts and desires nership with others in the field of Native issues and contribute toward making I am grateful for your interest in the of numerous people over many years. arts and cultures, be communicators of healthier communities. work of the Native Arts and Cultures hope, catalysts of change and champi- Among the people of the Yocha Dehe Foundation, and invite you to partici- We are immensely grateful to all of you ons of creative potential. As our work Wintun Nation, the arts have always held pate with us in our mission however who have helped us in our critical start demonstrates, we are united in our a sacred place. They are part of the tan- you may. It is so important for Native up years. Without your support, guid- commitment to these intentions. gible history of my Wintun people and of Nations, foundations and individuals to ance and friendship, we would not be all Indigenous peoples of this country come together to support art and cul- Each day we are reminded of the value where we are today. We look forward to we now call the United States. Without turemakers, and the valuable work of of compassion and humility, and the im- a future where the artistic and cultural our Native arts and cultures our unique organizations like this foundation. portance of a steadfast spirit to bring contributions, wealth of knowledge, societies and peoples very simply forth collective well-being for all on this and lifeways of the indigenous peoples would not exist, to the detriment of all planet. Arts and cultures provide a path of this country will be realized to their Americans. Our artistic and cultural Marshall McKay for deep exploration and reflection on full potential. expressions go far beyond mere beau- (Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation) everything that surrounds us. They are ty. They speak to our long presence Chairman, NACF Board of Directors an avenue for learning, a space for heal- on this earth and the essence of who ing, and a place to practice and be free. T. Lulani Arquette (Native Hawaiian) President and CEO 2 Background A study conducted by the Ford Foundation demonstrat- Funding for Native Arts and Cultures Capacity and Infrastructure in the Field ed a deep need for a national resource to support Indig- Research indicated that current direct funding of Native The infrastructure supporting Native arts and cultures enous arts and cultures in the U.S. After a preliminary artists, organizations and communities was not suffi- has been described as “fragile” at best. While funding feasibility study, the Native Arts and Cultures Founda- cient to maintain Native arts and cultures, let alone ca- is always the number one need, beneath the surface tion (NACF) was incorporated in 2008, to fulfill a nation- ter to the urgency of cultural resurgence and the need the needs are varied: al mandate to recognize Native creativity, strengthen to work with a generation of elder culture bearers be- the Native arts field and support cultural continuity for • Adequate facilities and upkeep are critical to serv- fore their knowledge was lost. generations of Native artists and culturebearers. Our ing artists. creation was an acknowledgement of the centrality of At a more detailed level, we found four major challenges • Adequate staff training in organizational manage- art and creative expression in peoples’ lives and an ripe with opportunities for change: ment skills is necessary to effectively manage arts understanding of the value of Native arts as a powerful • Native artists need more support systems, and and cultures organizations and programs. expression of community and spirit, through individual those that do exist, are stressed. creation or community undertaking. We are grateful to • Diversity at the board level is necessary to assure the generous support provided by the Ford Foundation • Native artists need more recognition and visibil- the right priorities. that helped launch NACF, and subsequent founding sup- ity in national and international arenas, especially • Lack of networking, fragmentation, is holding orga- port provided by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Four since they are often dynamic frontrunners for our nizations back. core aspirations surfaced during feasibility research: communities. • Geographic challenges, especially urban versus • Native-led, Native-partnered • Native artists need more philanthropic support in rural, leave large service gaps in the Native arts the form of grants and fellowships. • Funding for Native arts and cultures landscape. • Native artists working with communities can affect • Leadership in Native arts and cultures social change. • Capacity and infrastructure in the field Leadership in Native Arts and Cultures Native-led, Native-partnered Research indicated that greater leadership was need- Research showed that to succeed in our mission, fun- ed to help artists retain and nurture their community damentally we needed to be Native-led, and include Na- roots, and to encourage communities to engage with tive partners in our work. The concept of partnership the arts in traditional and innovative ways. Research extended to staffing. The impetus behind the need was also indicated that leadership and outreach in educa- innate sensitivity to and knowledge of Native culture, tion was critical to increasing the general awareness of establishing credibility and trust within Native com- the contribution of Native arts to the past, present and munities, and developing Native leadership potential future of America.