Closing the Gap: Ethics and the Law in the Exhibition of Contemporary Native Art

Abstract

The general lack of funding for arts and humanities has prompted museums to search for additional resources, especially geared to diversity. This financial need has resulted in many cultural institutions directing their efforts to an increased inclusion of American Indian communities and their cultural heritage. These efforts toward inclusion, however, often are often misguided in that the selection of artists, experts and consultants do not accurately reflect the constitution of our communities. In fact, the arts are particularly susceptible to individuals who have falsified their cultural credentials in an effort to be selected for coveted opportunities to perform, exhibit or guide American Indian arts. The incorporation of American Indian art into non-Native institutions, in particular those that do not have experience working with Native communities, must be grounded in ethical practices that are defined by source communities.