Institute of American Indian Arts plans for research centre

SANTA FE, N.M. – An effort by the Institute of American Indian Arts to create a new research centre is getting support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

The institute says the centre will focus on the advancement of contemporary Native American arts and culture by streamlining the care of museum collections and records as well as supporting training through internships and fellowships.

The three-year planning grant is worth $434,000.

IAIA President Robert Martin says the partnership with Mellon is a critical step in expanding the institute’s capacity to contribute to the field and build upon its legacy as the birthplace of contemporary Native arts.

The institute also plans to start a scholarly fellowship program to provide financial support for a series of fellows working on projects related to contemporary Native American art.