Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Announces Indigenous Arts Initiative Events

Topeka, Kan. – As a partnership between University of Kansas (Spencer Museum of Art, Film and Media Studies, and the Lied Center) and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, the Indigenous Arts Initiative supports a rotating series of Indigenous art labs that provide emerging Indigenous artists opportunities to expand their professional networks, hone creative skills and gain leadership experience through collaborative, mentorship-based programming at the University of Kansas. Through an application process, two emerging artists were selected, Sydney Pursel and Robert Hicks, to work alongside National Endowment for the Arts-funded 2019 visiting artists Sterlin Harjo (filmmaker) and Steven Grounds (visual artist) in a two-week residency at the end of March through the beginning of April.

These artists will participate in a series of events during the University of Kansas Indigenous Cultures Festival. the public is invited to view works of the visiting and emerging artists as well as attend discussions and lectures in March at several events that are open to the public.

March 26, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., Lied Center of Kansas Seymour Gallery

Indigenous Aesthetics in Visual + Performing Art with Sterlin Harjo & Steven Grounds

March 27, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center

MEKKO showing & Q&A with filmmaker, Sterlin Harjo

March 28, 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Spencer Museum of Art

Indigenous Community Building through the Arts with Steven Grounds, Sterlin Harjo, Sydney Pursel, & Peter Jasso of the Kansas Creative Arts Commission

March 29, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Cider Gallery

Cider Gallery Opening and Live-painting with Steven Grounds & other artists

March 31, 4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Cider Gallery

Steven Grounds Artist Talk

March 31, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., Cider Gallery

Artists Reception for Indigenous Artists: Steven Grounds, Sterlin Harjo, Sydney Pursel, & Robert Hicks

This program is supported by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.