Indigenous Artist Initiative 

Arts ETC’s Indigenous Artist Initiative is a grant that seeks to preserve the history and tradition of art forms from various global communities by supporting the artists that make them. The initiative recognizes the work of artists that work in a traditional art form or style from Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. In 2020, Arts ETC decided to include crafts and fiber arts as a recognized traditional art form.

2022 Grant Recipient:

Margaret Martin, United States

Art Form: Traditional Weaving and Textile Dyeing

Right: Indigo Dyed with Japanese Shibori Textile by Margaret Martin

Photo of textile artist Margaret Martin

2021 Grant Recipient:

Gasali Adeyemo, Nigeria

Art Form: Traditional Yoruba Batik and Adire Eleko

Left: Yoruba Batik and Adire Eleko by Gasali Adeyemo

2020 Grant Recipient:

Cynthia Crenshaw, United States

Art Form: Traditional Crochet

Right: Felted crochet handbag by Cynthia Crenshaw

Image of felted crochet handbag with a read, gray and black checkerboard design by Cynthia Crenshaw

2016 Grant Recipient:

Ibou Nydoe, Senegal

Art Form: Traditional reverse glass painting

Left: Storyteller, reverse glass painting by Ibou Ndoye

Image of traditional reverse glass painting by Senegal artist Ibou Nydoe depicting a group of children sitting around a woman

2010 Grant Recipient:

Rahmon Olugunna, Nigeria

Art Form: Oshogbo painting from Nigeria

Right: Single Mother, oil painting by Rahmon Olugunna