MIAC | May 2025

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) is excited to open its newest exhibition, Makowa: The Worlds Above Us, to the public on Sunday, June 1st. The exhibit will explore how Indigenous peoples of the Southwest have connected with the sky through art, science, and storytelling—featuring ancient pottery, modern astrophotography and interviews with Native scientists.

MNMF Members and MIAC donors will get a special sneak peek at the exhibition on Friday, May 30. Keep an eye on your inbox for details! We are currently seeking corporate sponsors to fund free public weekends at MIAC throughout the run of the exhibition. ‘Cosmic Community Weekend’ Sponsorships are $5,000. Please let us know if you know any businesses who might be interested in this philanthropic opportunity.

The Indian Advisory Panel (IAP) at MIAC is pleased to welcome Ulysses Reid (Zia Pueblo) as their new Chair and Albert Alvidrez (Isleta del Sur Pueblo) as the new Co-Chair. The IAP was created in the early 1980s when a small group of tribal members was brought together for a series of brainstorming sessions prior to the construction of the MIAC/Lab. They were followed by another group of advisors for the Here, Now and Always exhibit. The present-day IAP was formed during the mid-1990s. Collectively and individually, the IAP provides technical and cultural advice, guidance and recommendations to the staff of the MIAC/Lab. This ensures that representatives of Southwest Indian communities approve of both the objects and the factual and philosophical approaches and interpretations of various exhibitions, outreach and public programs. Full consideration is given to the recommendations of the IAP whenever subject, object, or other matters are deemed potentially sensitive or offensive to the tribal groups they represent. The IAP meets several times a year to review and discuss issues related to collections, exhibition plans, and public educational programs for appropriateness and sensitivity to Native American cultures and communities. Thank you for your volunteer service, Ulysses and Albert!

The past legislative session, MIAC received $290,000.00 to support facility improvements at the Laboratory of Anthropology and ongoing HVAC improvements. Mic will also supervise a $2.5 million special appropriation to bring the DCA into compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The education team is busy preparing a summer full of activities, including a monthly Native dance series on Milner Plaza, photography workshops, coffee and clay workshops, Native Narratives speaker events, curator-led gallery tours and more. Visit https://my.nmculture.org/overview/37112 to get your tickets today.

Heading into fiscal year 2026, we are excited to plan some exciting fundraising events featuring some notable literary and musical stars. Stay tuned!

To support MIAC’s Exhibition Development Fund and/or Education Fund please contact Lauren Paige at lauren@museumfoundation.org, or by phone at 505.982.2282