Established in 2020 by a collective of Native artists and writers who realized the need for proper representation, the Center for Native Futures (CfNF) has rapidly become an epicenter of community and creativity. The organization is entirely led and run by Indigenous artists based in Zhegagoynak (Chicago) and serves as a vital platform for marginalized Native artists. Our existence challenges the pervasive and inaccurate portrayals of Native people. By fostering Native artists of all backgrounds—including those with mixed identities whose perspectives are often overshadowed—we provide a powerful lens through which art can illuminate the past, enrich the present, and realize a thriving future.

CfNF offers unparalleled opportunities and platforms designed to nurture and elevate Indigenous artists at every stage of their careers. Our Native artists experiment and expand their creative practices, while also connecting with broader audiences. At the heart of our philosophy is Indigenous Futurism, an artistic approach that expands possibilities and realities by imagining our lives beyond colonial limitations. We are dedicated to showcasing the futurity of Native people as living cultures by acknowledging and advancing contemporary Native fine arts and insisting on our inclusion in the city’s overarching narratives through exhibitions, residencies, and programming.

Photos courtesy of Center for Native Futures