Community meeting participants and Arts Council staff on July 8, 2019. Photo by Wendy Moran.
SACRAMENTO – A new report published by the California Arts Council summarizes community input regarding some of the challenges facing Native Artists in California today and the role the state, namely the California Arts Council and the Governor’s Tribal Advisor, can play in supporting arts and creativity with California Indians and American Indian artists residing in California. Additionally, it highlights perspectives on the idea of a future statewide convening of Native Artists and confirms that such a gathering is desired and could greatly benefit the community.
Background
The California Arts Council believes that strengthening the field of arts and culture in California requires acknowledging the stewards of the land, while prioritizing, uplifting, and interweaving the voices and needs of Native American and Indigenous artists and stakeholders in our work as a state agency. Convening artists and cultural communities is central to the California Arts Council in serving our state’s arts ecosystem and creating a sense of belonging for all Californians.
The California Arts Council recognizes the state’s historic mistreatment, violence, and neglect of California’s Native Americans and the current marginalization of California Indian artists. The California Arts Council is committed to centering Native representation, authentic engagement, and community building in all its efforts.
2019 Community-Led Meeting
On Monday, July 8, 2019 in Sacramento, the California Arts Council, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of the Tribal Advisor, organized a community-led planning meeting focused on a future large-scale convening of Native American and Indigenous artists based in California. This was an initial convening of a small group to hold a preliminary discussion and inform future efforts.
Four planning partners representing the community co-led group discussions with 20 participants. The planning partners include River Garza (Tongva), Julian Lang (Karuk, Wiyot, Shasta), Barbara Mumby-Huerta (Powhatan/Shawnee/ Konkow), and Joely Proudfit, Ph.D. (Luiseño/ Payómkawichum). A list and bios of all community participants can be found in the report.
The Office of the Governor was represented by Christina Snider, Tribal Advisor. The California Arts Council was represented by Executive Director Anne Bown-Crawford, Deputy Director Ayanna Kiburi, and a staff planning workgroup including Maya Austin, Jason Jong, Mariana Moscoso, and Andrea Porras.
The Report
The 28-page report titled “California Native Artists Community-Led Meeting: Identifying Challenges, the Role of State Government, and Planning a Future Statewide Convening” can be viewed and downloaded for free at this link.
Individuals who do not use conventional print materials or require access to materials in languages other than English may contact the California Arts Council at 916-322-6555 or email access@arts.ca.gov to obtain this publication in an alternate format or language.
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The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The Council is committed to building public will and resources for the arts; fostering accessible arts initiatives that reflect contributions from all of California’s diverse populations; serving as a thought leader and champion for the arts; and providing effective and relevant programs and services.
Members of the California Arts Council include: Chair Nashormeh Lindo, Vice Chair Larry Baza, Juan Devis, Jodie Evans, Kathleen Gallegos, Jaime Galli, Stanlee Gatti, Donn K. Harris, and Louise McGuinness. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.
The California Arts Council is committed to increasing the accessibility of its online content. For language and accessibility assistance, visit http://arts.ca.gov/aboutus/language.php.
