Trump Proposes Defunding the Institute of American Indian Arts

The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), the sole four-year school dedicated to contemporary Indigenous arts, is at risk of losing all federal funding as of October 1, should President Trump’s proposed federal budget be implemented. This budget proposes the complete removal of federal support for the IAIA, which previously received approximately $13 million annually. This funding is crucial as it accounts for 75% of the institution’s operational expenses, including key services such as student mental health support, housing, scholarships, and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. IAIA President Robert Martin highlighted the significance of the institution’s mission, noting that the proposed budget jeopardizes 63 years of advancement in Indigenous education and artistry.

Enrolling around 850 students, predominantly from rural reservations and representing 92 federally recognized tribes, IAIA is described as the “birthplace of contemporary Indigenous art.” Founded in 1962 on the Santa Fe Indian School campus, IAIA initially began as a high school and has since grown to include a world-renowned arts museum and offer multiple degree programs. It became a federally chartered institution in 1986 and now provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in various arts disciplines, along with certificates and courses.

The proposed budget also suggests reducing funding for the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) from $127.4 million to $22.1 million, affecting 37 Tribal colleges, including IAIA. Martin urged lawmakers to advocate for funding all Tribal colleges, with New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich pledging ongoing support. Martin emphasized that defunding IAIA would not balance finances nor promote unity but rather silence vital Indigenous voices.

Despite receiving some private and grant funding, these are allocated mainly to scholarships, accentuating the need for federal support. Trump’s budget cuts pose a substantial threat to IAIA’s operations and the wider network of Tribal educational institutions, underscoring the critical need for legislative advocacy to sustain these essential cultural and educational resources.