I. PROJECT OVERVIEW The CAC believes that uplifting and prioritizing the voices and needs of Native American artists will strengthen California’s arts and culture sector and improve the lives of all Californians. In partnership with the Governor’s Office of the Tribal Advisor, the CAC convened a group of Native American artists based in California to discuss the challenges, needs, and opportunities for Native American artists and communities. The initial focus of this convening was to plan a larger state-wide convening to be held at a later date. However, the day’s conversation highlighted several needs the CAC might address through a dedicated grant program, and the agency was able to outline an opportunity for Native American artists as part of its 2024/25 grant strategy approved by the Council1. To help the CAC and the State prioritize the needs of Native American artists across California, the CAC seeks to contract with a qualified consultant to design a process and co-create a grant program to support Native American artists. The goal of the program will be to be address and mitigate disparities of funding and increase the visibility of Native American artists. The CAC is committed to following through on its promise to create opportunities for Native American artists. The engagement of this consultant contractor is an initial step in following through on this promise.
