Native American Artists & the Field of Folklore

(BOSTON – March 16, 2012) The New England Foundation for the Arts will host Native American Artists and the Field of Folklore: Exploring Commonalities and New Ideas at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center in Mashantucket, CT, on April 20-21, 2012. The convening is an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the relationship between both traditional and contemporary Native arts and the field of folklore, and to explore the intersections between the two.

“This is a rare opportunity for both Native artists and folklorists,” said Dawn Spears (Narragansett), Native Arts program manager at NEFA. “Our goal is to spark dialogue and encourage connection across this group, where diverse perspectives share a deep mutual interest that has often been overlooked.”

The convening is planned in collaboration with the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center and with Native American and folklorist advisors. Find more details on the event or contact program manager Dawn Spears.

About Native Arts
NEFA's Native Arts program supports Native American artists and organizations in New England and nationally through grantmaking and network development to help Native artists reach broader audiences, connect with new markets for their work, and gain access to financial resources. Advised by Native artists and Native Arts professionals, the program also has Native leadership at both the staff and board levels. NEFA’s Native Arts program is made possible with lead funding from the Ford Foundation's Indigenous Knowledge and Expressive Culture program, with additional funding from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Anonymous donors.

About New England Foundation for the Arts
NEFA creatively supports the movement of people, ideas, and resources in the arts within New England and beyond, makes vital connections between artists and communities, and builds the strength, knowledge, and leadership of the region’s creative sector. NEFA is a nonprofit that operates with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New England state arts agencies, and from corporations, foundations and individuals.

NEFA administers grantmaking programs of regional, national, and international scope that support the performing arts, public art, and Native American artists. NEFA also leads projects and initiatives that range from the analysis of the impact of the creative economy to the creation of online tools which link and advance the cultural community. For more information, please visit www.nefa.org or call 617.951.0010.

Stay Connected

Receive the latest news, grant offerings, and community events.

Sign up