News from MIAC/Lab
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture appoints Danyelle Means (Oglala Lakota) as executive director
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs announced today that Danyelle Means (Oglala Lakota) has been appointed executive director of Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe, NM, after serving a successful eight months as interim director.
Get Indigenous Film Festival comes to Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
AUGUST 14, 2024
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) is proud to partner with the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), and the Institute for American Indian Arts (IAIA) on the second annual Get Indigenous Film Festival (GIFF), a multimedia component of the Santa Fe Indian Market.
Museum of Indian Arts and Culture unveils groundbreaking contemporary gallery
JULY 30, 2024
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture proudly announces the grand opening of the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Native Market and Contemporary Art Gallery. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Driving the Market: Award Winning Native Contemporary Art , will debut on August 18, 2024.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture to present 2024 Native Dance Series
MAY 29, 2024
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) is proud to announce the launch of its Native Dance Series, a celebration of the rich and diverse dance traditions of Native American communities. This series aims to honor and preserve the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples through vibrant and dynamic dance performances.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture welcomes new head of curatorial affairs
MAY 28, 2024
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) is pleased to announce Elisa Phelps has been named Head of Curatorial Affairs. Phelps brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in Native American art and culture, and her leadership is set to enhance the museum’s mission of preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Native American communities.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture presents "Painted by Hand: The Textiles of Patricia Michaels"
APRIL 25, 2024
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is proud to announce Painted by Hand: The Textiles of Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo) opening Sunday, May 5, 2024 . This exhibtion tells the story of Patricia’s journey to create the designs she uses in her garments. As a Taos Pueblo woman in the world of haute couture, Patricia sought textiles that reflected the landscapes, peoples, experiences, and textures of her home and community. Finding none, she dove into the process of hand-painting textiles that tell stories of snowy aspens, mountain walks, and raindrops, as well as relationships, birth, struggle, and triumph. In Painted by Hand , learn more about how Michaels makes her famed images, which integrate deep knowledge of the landscape and elaborate physical processing. See textiles, tools, and garments reflecting the intention that goes into each painted fabric.
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Native Treasures Art Market with Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
APRIL 11, 2024
The Native Treasures Art Market is turning 20! For two decades, Native Treasures has served as a beacon for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous artists. Native Treasures Art Market takes place over Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 25 through Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture hires new educator to boost visitor experience
FEBRUARY 12, 2024
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its team, Emily Berkes who will serve as the museum’s new family and programs educator. With a passion for art history and contemporary art, Emily brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas to elevate the museum’s educational programs. She started in this role on January 20.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture announces 2024 Living Treasure and Legacy Award recipients
DECEMBER 27, 2023
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Living Treasure and Legacy Awards. These awards are part of the annual MIAC Native Treasures Art Market and honor Native American artists who have made outstanding artistic contributions to the field of Indigenous arts and culture. Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo) is the 2024 recipient of the MIAC Living Treasure award.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture executive director departing
NOVEMBER 20, 2023
Today, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) announce the departure of Executive Director Polly Nordstrand, who has played a crucial role in creating collaborative relationships with the many Native Nations in the state. Nordstrand is relocating to California to be closer to family.
New Deputy Director at Museum of Indian Arts & Culture ready to build connections with communities
OCTOBER 2, 2023
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) has hired Dr. Elisabeth Stone as its new Deputy Director. Dr. Stone has been promoted to this role internally, having served as the Manager for Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites. Her first day with MIAC is today, October 2, 2023. Elisabeth Stone holds a PhD in Anthropology from UNM, with an emphasis in archaeology, as well as an MA in Anthropology and Museum Studies, with a focus on museum education. In addition, she has extensive training and experience in visitor studies and in building equity into museum practice.
2nd Annual Nakotah LaRance Memorial Youth Hoop Dance Championship drawing young Native American competitors to the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe
AUGUST 1, 2023
A wish is coming true for Hoop Dancer Valentino Tzigiwhaeno Rivera, Pojoaque Pueblo (2008-2016). From the time he was a boy, his dream was that all Native young people could learn the traditional dance. He was inspired by dancer Nakotah LaRance ( (Hopi-Tewa) who is credited for bringing the Native American Hoop Dance back to New Mexico where it is flourishing in the state with hundreds of participants. But it’s not just exciting people here.