By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
A new foundation dedicated to Native American art and culture wants to help artists and communities by offering grants in three areas. The year-old Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF), based in Vancouver, Wash., has a total of $300,000 in grants available according to Frank Dunn, an EBCI tribal member serving as their communications specialist.
“We’re a Foundation for supporting the arts of Native America,” said Dunn who prior to taking the position at the NACF worked for 10 years as the communications director for the Swinomish Tribal Community.
He said the NACF and the grants is a way of building relationships between tribal communities. “This is the beginning of something for our children for the future.”
The grants will be given in the following three areas: Artistic Innovation: Through the Soul of an Artist, Mobilizing the Community Through the Arts, and Strengthening the Arts & Cultures Infrastructure.
“In an effort to strengthen Native arts and cultures, the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is proud to announce the launching of its first year of grant-making,” said Lulani Arquette, NACF CEO. “We are inspired by what we see in Native communities across the country and the amazing work from our artists and we look forward to the future with hope, inspiration and confidence.”
Dunn said he has been meeting with many in the Cherokee art community informing about the NACF and the grants which have a July 1 deadline.
He related it is his firm belief that Cherokee can become the hub for Native American art east of the Mississippi. “There is so much beautiful work and art here.”
To learn more about NACF and the grants, visit www.nativeartsandcultures.org, email to info@nativeartsandcultures.org, or call (360) 314-2421.
