Indigenous Arts and The Art Markets

45 credits

This is an international course exploring the intersection of American settler colonialism art markets and Indigenous artistic cultures of North America. This course will explore myriad ways that Indigenous arts, cultures, and histories have been impacted by settler colonial narratives through the commodification of Indigenous histories, identities, material culture, and art practices. The class will include an examination of contemporary Native American art markets developed by the Indigenous nations in four states - Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. This exploration will include visiting the SWAIA (Southwest Association of American Indian Arts) Indian Market (est. 1921), museums, galleries, historic sites, and educational institutions to understand how Indigenous arts in North American art markets are promoted and received. The course will also examine how such a market could benefit Indigenous artists and economies in Saskatchewan. ***Prerequisite: 45 Credit Hours and permission of the instructor is required.*** *Note: Restricted to First Nations University Indigenous Art (INDA), Indigenous Art History (INAH), and Administration (ADMN) majors.* *Note: Students may receive credit for one of ADMN 435AR or INAH 391AA.* *Additional Fee: $500.*