Native Arts and Cultures Foundation


The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that supports Native American artists, culture bearers and Native-led arts organizations, providing them with support through fellowships and project funding. It is the only philanthropic organization which exclusively supports American Indian, Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian arts and cultures in the United States.

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. The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians near Sacramento, Calif. committed an additional $1.5 million.
Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors was Walter Echo-Hawk. Other founding board members were Joy Harjo, poet and musician, Elizabeth Woody, a writer and cultural specialist from the Warm Springs Reservation, Marshall McKay, Chairman of the Rumsey Rancheria, Letitia Chambers, a private consultant of Cherokee descent, and Buffy St. Marie, the singer/activist.

Artist Fellowships

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

Mentor Artist Fellows

2018
2017
2018
2016
2015
2015
2014