The Trump Administration’s proposed 2027 federal budget includes the elimination of operating funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). Founded in 1962, IAIA is the only institution in the United States dedicated to higher education grounded in Indigenous arts and cultures, and is widely recognized as the birthplace of contemporary Native arts. More than 4,000 graduates have gone on to shape Indigenous storytelling, visual art, film, writing, and cultural leadership. IAIA President Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo) responded: “Eliminating IAIA’s federal appropriation will weaken educational opportunity, threaten the development of future Indigenous artists and leaders, and severely undermine a mission that Congress has supported for decades.” IAIA is urging Congress to reject the proposal and maintain funding at $14.1 million. — What does IAIA mean to Indigenous communities and the future of Native arts? (via instituteofamericanindianarts) #IndigenousEducation