First Steps Towards Establishing a Native Arts & Culture Council
Establishing a Native Arts & Culture Council is a great way to support artists and culture bearers in tribal communities. A dedicated Native Arts & Culture Council can increase visibility for local artists, support cultural tourism, provide resources and funding for artists, transform public spaces, and support art programs for tribal youth.
Before starting the process to establish a Native Arts & Culture Council, it is important to perform research to better understand the needs of the community.
Asking questions, such as, “What kind of arts programming is already available?” “What are the gaps?” and “What are the challenges that artists and arts organizations are facing?” can help to clarify inspirations and align efforts with the unique cultural values and practices of the community.
In 2021, ATALM conducted a survey of Native Artists during the Sustaining and Advancing Indigenous Cultural Institutions. Highlights from the Survey can be used to identify the gaps in services and challenges that a local arts agency can help to address.
At the beginning of the Native Arts and Culture Councils Pilot Project, the seven Cohort Communities identified their priorities for establishing a local arts agency, which shaped the project training and resources. Information from the survey was used to develop the “Seven Ways Native Arts & Culture Councils Support Community” document. These resources can be used as a foundation or inspiration towards envisioning the potential benefits and services that a dedicated arts agency can provide in your community.
Recorded Presentations
How Native Arts and Culture Organizations Serve Their Communities
- CHICKASAW NATION (17:41) – Valorie Walters, Undersecretary for the Department of Culture and Humanities and Mark Milligan, Executive Officer of Arts and Humanities, discuss some of the successful arts and culture programs offered by the Chickasaw Nation.
- ONEIDA NATION ARTS PROGRAM (46:06) – Sherrole Benton, Arts Program Supervisor, leads a discussion about the Oneida Nation Arts Program, which began in the 1970s and provides diverse and comprehensive arts programs that feature, support, and develop the Oneida creative spirit by celebrating, challenging, and promoting the individual.