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The Economic and Educational Impact of Native American Art Markets

Abstract

This research will investigate the economical and educational impact of Native American art markets. The information will compare and contrast the approaches of two museum-operated Native American art market programs, the Autry National Center in Los Angeles, California and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. Information collected on these market programs included observation, library research and personal interviews. This study will present a brief history of Native American art markets (1880-present) and their emergence in the modern American economy. It will include historical background of the Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which writer Tristian Ahtone calls, “the biggest and best-known destination for Native artists and Native art collectors on the planet.” From learning about the Santa Fe Indian Market one can reach some foundational understanding of Native art markets influence on evolution of modern Native American art. The two markets under review in this document have similarities and differences that will be presented. My analysis will identify the impact these Native art markets have on Native American artists, Native and non-Native communities, and American Indian themed institutions that host them.

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