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- By Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) is more than a cultural institution—it is a living testament to the depth, resilience, and diversity of Native peoples. Through its thoughtfully curated exhibitions and vibrant public programming, the Museum serves as both steward and storyteller, preserving the artistic and intellectual legacies of the Native Southwest while illuminating their relevance to our shared future.
At its core, MIAC is guided by a mission of stewardship and understanding. In an era where narratives are often generalized or erased, the Museum stands as a vital counterpoint an institution devoted to ensuring that Native voices are not just heard but actively centered. Its mission recognizes that the artistic and cultural expressions of Indigenous communities are not relics of the past but living traditions that continue to evolve and inform the present.
The Museum’s vision is not simply aspirational, it is essential. It imagines a world where Native peoples are recognized not as a monolith, but as richly distinct tribes, each with its own language, customs, and histories. This vision challenges audiences to confront outdated notions and embrace a more nuanced understanding of the American Southwest as a place shaped by Native cultures since time immemorial.
Through rigorous research and public education, MIAC enables deeper engagement with the past while also inspiring future generations of scholars, artists, and cultural stewards. Its collections are not simply viewed, they are studied, interpreted, and brought to life through the stories they tell and the people they represent.
Exhibitions That Bring Stories to Life
Visitors are invited to explore powerful exhibitions that showcase the breadth and vitality of Native art and culture. Current and recent highlights include:
Here, Now and Always – A groundbreaking, reimagined exhibition co-curated with Native communities, offering immersive stories told from Indigenous perspectives. This permanent exhibition features over 600 objects, interactive media, and first-person narratives that reflect the past, present, and future of Native life in the Southwest.
Makowa: The Worlds Above Us – Look up. What do you see? From radio astronomy to solstice calendars, Indigenous peoples look to the sky for timing, meaning, and beauty. Makowa: The Worlds Above Us juxtaposes ways of seeing, noticing, and understanding the skies and the beings in them. Told through stories of an ever-changing world, the exhibition connects science, stories, and observations. For Indigenous peoples of the Southwest, observing the sky brings joy, information, and a connection to the worlds above us.
Engaging Programs for All Ages
MIAC doesn’t just display culture, it invites visitors to participate in it. Year-round public programs and educational events provide opportunities for deeper engagement.
Sunday Funday: Every first Sunday of the month, MIAC comes alive with hands-on family fun. From traditional storytelling and art-making workshops to live music and dance performances, Sunday Funday is a welcoming space for all ages to experience Native cultures in action. Admission is free for New Mexico residents, making it the perfect day for families, friends, and curious learners to visit.
Artist Talks and Demonstrations: Meet Native artists, watch live demonstrations, and hear directly from the creators about their techniques, inspirations, and cultural backgrounds.
Cultural Celebrations and Seasonal Events: Throughout the year, MIAC hosts special events marking Native holidays and seasonal observances, creating space for shared learning and celebration.
School and Group Tours: With tailored educational programs, the Museum provides meaningful experiences for students and educators, guided by knowledgeable docents and Native educators.
Visit and Be Inspired
The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is a place of learning, connection, and inspiration. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the Southwest or a first-time visitor, you’ll find something that resonates; from centuries-old pottery to contemporary art, from community-driven exhibitions to interactive programming for all ages.
In honoring its mission and living out its values, MIAC is not just preserving history, it is shaping how we understand it. And in doing so, it invites each of us to take part in a broader, richer, and more honest conversation about identity, heritage, and the enduring presence of Native peoples in the cultural landscape of the Southwest.
Plan your visit, bring your curiosity, and experience the stories that continue to shape our world.
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