Establishing a creative economy: Art as an economic engine in Native communities
First Peoples Fund
First Peoples Fund supports the cultural, artistic, and ancestral practices of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian artists, families, and communities, helping them to thrive, heal, and carry forward Indigenous creative expression, teachings, and lifeways.
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As Native artists continue to be overlooked for the critical role they can play in building economies, First Peoples Fund aimed to change the perception of artists in Native and mainstream communities, transforming them from what is often an afterthought in community development strategies to their full expression as prominent economic engines capable of catalyzing true social change. The purpose of this project was to make the case for art as an economic driver and show successful efforts to embrace the arts as a critical component of creating sustainable and vibrant communities.
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Examine the household economics, infrastructural needs, and social networks of Native artists.
Identify the roles of Native artists within reservation economies in the Great Plains.
Evaluate the effectiveness of support programs currently available for Native artists.
Identify challenges faced by Native artists and opportunities to better support them.
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The results of this project offered first-of-its-kind evidence regarding the need and potential for creating sustainable Native communities through art. The study provided an important glimpse into a culturally significant Native arts community with the power to transform reservation economies.
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Jan 2012–Jul 2013
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Andrea Mader — Data collection and analysis
“Buffalo Rose,” Alaina Buffalo Spirit (Northern Cheyenne), Artist in Business Leadership Fellow.
