New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA)

Artist Networks and Convenings

Location:

Boston, MA

Award:

$14,000

Project:

Master-Apprentice Exchanges

Website:

www.nefa.org/grants_services/native_arts

NEFA Native Arts Program Images.pdf

NE Native Arts Directory.pdf

This apprenticeship program will invite applications from traditional and contemporary Native artists working in collaboration in a master and apprenctice training format, with two to three grants of up to $6,000 to be awarded to master artists within the Spring 2012 grant round. Each master-apprentice pair will be required to share the outcomes of their exchanges at Native Arts gatherings, thereby bringing the benefits of their work together to the wider community and providing additional opportunities for connection making.

“The act of giving was part of the ‘gifting economy’ of the Northwest where one’s wealth was measured by generosity, good work and a good heart. That is the work of philanthropy too: It’s an honor to have plenty and to share. There is no lack when you have this process in place and the most important mindset to have while participating is gratitude, or giving thanks and promising to care for all, no matter what.”

Elizabeth Woody, Navajo/Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama

Board Secretary, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation

“These gifts demonstrate strong tribal interest in creating a powerful funding engine for protecting and preserving Native art and culture—the very cornerstones of tribal sovereignty. A foundation of this nature will help reverse the long history of government suppression of Native culture done as part of the United States' assimilation program. Through gifts of this nature, Indian Country can direct its resources to protect what is closest to home to all Indian tribes—our own cultures."

Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee

Of counsel, Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C.

New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA)

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees