Releases | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

“Here, Now and Always” at Museum of Indian Arts and Culture on track for June 2022 opening

August 31st, 2021

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) is eager to provide an update on the work and changes that have been made to the museum’s permanent exhibition, “Here, Now and Always” (HNA). Scheduled to reopen to the public in June 2022, staff and contractors have made significant progress to stay on schedule for the revitalization of this one-of-a-kind exhibition.

Over the past few months, MIAC has undergone an extensive de-installation of over 1,100 objects which have been placed back into museum collections and at the Center for New Mexico Archaeology. Thanks to local companies R & M Construction and Living Design Architects, the construction on the exhibition is moving rapidly. The space was demolished, new framing and wiring have been added, and demolition of the building’s back wall has created more space for the exhibition and a new entrance.

Once the framing and electrical wiring are completed, the construction team will drywall and paint each section. MIAC is also excited to announce that Mohawk Industries Inc. has donated carpet for the new HNA entryway. These carpet designs were inspired by traditional corrugated pottery styles which will be a unique touch to the exhibition design since pottery and its influences are prominently featured at the museum.

“I am proud to have been a part of updating the story to reflect how these Indigenous peoples lived, learned, accomplished, and faced life’s evolutions and challenges,” said Della Warrior, former executive director of MIAC. “Over 60 Native advisers worked with the curators to conceptualize each thematic area and incorporate art and artifacts that reflect key historical and cultural changes. It is my hope that through educating the public about the great cultures of these people, preconceived notions that emanate from stereotypes and perceptions derived from inaccurate or one-sided histories will change. It is my hope that the unique and valuable cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest are better understood and appreciated for all that they contribute to the world.”

The renovation of HNA is a public-private partnership that would not be possible without the generous donors to the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, and MIAC is grateful for their support.

The MIAC team and contractors also renovated the exhibition space to be ADA compliant and have installed all new lighting to brighten the room significantly. This important upgrade will make the exhibition more accessible for visitors and will allow them to better experience the many artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and years of Indigenous history that it has to offer.

Visitors can virtually tour the original HNA exhibition online at http://www.indianartsandculture.org/online-exhibitions/.

Members of the media are welcome to request an in-person tour of HNA to follow its progress. Please contact us for more information.

 

About the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and our donors. The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.  


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