Native Arts

Native Arts Program Guidelines (printable version)

Native Arts FAQ

Grants

National Native Artist Exchange
Native Arts New England
New! Master Apprenticeship

Services

Grant workshops & gatherings
Native Arts Forum
Native Artist Directory

Contact

For assistance or more information on applying:
nativearts@nefa.org
617.951.0010 x533
617.951.0010 x525
* First-time applicants are encouraged to call NEFA.

Native Arts 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 Native Arts

NEFA's Native Arts program supports Native American artists and organizations in New England and nationally through grantmaking and network development. Together, these build regional and national support structures 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. 

View background information on NEFA's Native Arts program.

Grant Programs

Two types of funding are available:

  • National Native Artist Exchange supports the exchange of artistic skills and knowledge among Native artists.
  • Native Arts New England supports Native artists and organizations residing in the six New England states, with a focus on arts projects that involve or benefit New England communities.

Services

  • Application assistance is available from program staff at any time. Contact staff with questions regarding guidelines and application process, as well as alternate ways to identify and connect with other available resources. Grant workshops are also available throughout the year. View NEFA's events calendar for upcoming workshop dates and locations.
  • Native Arts Gatherings, held twice a year, are day-long convenings centered on artist professional development, discussion around Native arts topics, and opportunities for networking and sharing artwork. View NEFA's events calendar for upcoming gathering dates and locations.
  • The Native Arts Forum on the NEFA Network is a community on NEFA's website for Native artists and others to discuss topics relating to Native arts and share and post information. Visit the forum today!
  • NEFA is building an online Native Artist Directory, a database of Native artists in New England. View the directory and be included!
Examples of Funded Projects
Clarissa Rizal
Kelly Church
Jennifer Kreisberg
Eric Otter Bacon
Theresa Secord
View complete list of recipients...
Ford Foundation II The Ford Foundation is a leading funder of NEFA’s Native Arts program. The Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than half a century it has worked with courageous people on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. With headquarters in New York, the foundation has offices in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Culture Count: New England's Cultural Database
Matchbook.org: Find an artist or venue, or create a listing
NEFA Network: A community forum
Meet a Native artist

"NEFA not only gives support to New England's Native artists, it brings us together as a family and puts a spotlight on our artistic contributions."

Robert Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag), NEFA grantee and workshop/gathering attendee