Why Give?
Support Native American Artists – Preserve Culture, Empower Communities
Imagine pouring your heart into a piece of art that carries generations of heritage—only to be stopped by one thing: money.
For many Native American artists, this is reality. Nearly 30% of Native people are practicing or potential artists, yet many live below the poverty line. Their art is not just creative expression—it’s essential income. But without access to resources, most cannot pursue their work full-time or share it with the world.
Attending major art markets—crucial lifelines like the Santa Fe Indian Market—can be financially out of reach. Travel costs, booth fees, lodging, food, materials, and childcare quickly add up. And yet, these events are where artists connect directly with buyers, bypass gallery commissions, and generate vital income that supports their families and fuels their practice.
But markets are more than sales opportunities—they’re cultural epicenters:
- They preserve tradition, passing ancestral techniques to new generations.
- They educate and dismantle stereotypes by showcasing authentic Native stories.
- They build community, connecting artists with peers, mentors, and collectors.
- They offer economic empowerment, providing skills in pricing, marketing, and business.
Your donation helps bridge the gap. It means one more artist can attend a market, one more story can be shared, and one more tradition can live on.
Support Native artists. Help preserve culture. Make a lasting impact.
The dream of showcasing their work, connecting with collectors, and sharing their culture often collides with an exponential financial burden. Attending even a small, local art market can be devastatingly expensive before a single piece is sold. Consider the costs: travel across vast distances, prohibitive booth fees, paid parking, modest accommodations, and meals. Then there are the essential marketing and promotional materials, and, of course, the art supplies themselves – the very tools of their trade. Many artists don’t even have the luxury of traveling alone; they must bring their children and family members to assist, incurring additional, painful costs for caregivers if they were to leave them behind.
Yet, these markets are not just events; they are lifelines. Places like the iconic Santa Fe Indian Market are crucial platforms where Native American artists can finally unveil their masterpieces, forge direct connections with buyers, and, most importantly, safeguard and revitalize their cultural heritage. These markets are where artists can sell directly, bypassing gallery commissions and ensuring every penny of a sale goes directly back to them – to their families, to their artistic practice, and to their communities. Even for longtime professional artists, these sales form the bedrock of their annual income.
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