Crystal Bridges Museum and Art Bridges receive 90 works of contemporary Indigenous art in landmark acquisition

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has acquired 90 contemporary works created by Indigenous artists from the Horseman Collection. This collection focuses on Native and African American artists. Art Bridges Foundation received 81 pieces for long-term loans to various museums, making contemporary Indigenous art one-third of its collection. The remaining nine works will be displayed at Crystal Bridges. This acquisition supports the museum's strategy to enhance its Indigenous art holdings, which previously comprised only 3% of its total collection, with efforts to foster wider representation of Indigenous art throughout the United States.

Ashley Holland, the curator and director of curatorial initiatives at Art Bridges, emphasized the importance of Indigenous perspectives in American art collections, stating, "Indigenous perspectives are foundational to any American art collection. We are honoured to continue our deep support of Indigenous art with this acquisition and look forward to sharing these works with audiences around the country through our loan programme."

The acquisition of 90 contemporary artworks made by Indigenous artists from the Horseman Collection enhances the Art Bridges Collection, with a significant increase in contemporary Indigenous art now making up one third of the collection.

Crystal Bridges Museum is expanding its holdings in craft and Indigenous art, now taking steps to improve its previous total of only 3% Native artists represented in its collection.

The 81 works acquired by Art Bridges will be distributed across the nation through a long-term loan program, demonstrating a collective commitment to sharing Indigenous art widely.

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