Native American Arts Center

Since its founding in 1946, Idyllwild Arts has always been firmly rooted in respect for and reverence of Native American arts and culture. While the Summer Program has offered dynamic Native American Arts workshops and programming for over 70 years, the Native American Arts Center opened in 2022 to expand these offerings year-round, effectively establishing Idyllwild Arts as a leader in supporting Indigenous artistic expression and cultural affirmation. The center nurtures relationships with many Indigenous communities, provides access to arts education for Native students, and hosts a week-long Native American art festival. The center is dedicated to supporting Indigenous artists’ professional development in a safe space to connect with nature and create new works through artist residencies.

The 2026 Native American Arts Workshops will be held from June 8 – 26, 2026, and Festival Week will be taking place from Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19!

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Festival Week 2025 Images

Programs

The Native American Arts Center curates a robust calendar of workshops, performances, lectures, exhibitions, and other engaging community events led by Indigenous teaching artists, traditional knowledge bearers, and scholars in many fields who cross-pollinate their talents while providing valuable educational opportunities. All events are free and open to the public.

Workshops

2026 Summer Workshops Will Take Place June 8-27! Please click below for a full lineup of summer workshops!

Thought-provoking workshops stimulate conversations, empower creative contributions, and strengthen community.

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Festival Week

The Native American Arts Center produces and hosts the annual Native American Arts Festival Week, designed to enhance and add depth to the Summer Program workshop experience. The week-long Native arts festival provides a provocative learning experience by bringing together distinguished artists, scholars, and cultural specialists to present performances, demonstrations, films, exhibitions, showcases, and the popular Michael Kabotie Lecture Series.

The 2026 Native American Arts Festival Week will be taking place from Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19!

Festival Week 2025 Images

Lectures

Stimulating lectures by notable visiting guest artists regularly provide new perspectives, elevate discourse, and challenge traditional perspectives.

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Scholarships

Scholarships are available for Native American students.

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NAAC Building

Working with Sander Architects, the NAAC has plans to build a new physical space for the year-round programming already underway.

Are you interested in joining our Native American Arts Center Advisory committee? Please contact the Native American Arts Center Assistant at nativearts@idyllwildarts.org.

Featured Events

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Thu 19

NEW DATE! The Confluence of Beauty – Cultural Intersectionality and Individualism in Art and Beadwork with Mikailah Thompson | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series

March 19 @ 7:00 pm PST

Native American Arts Center

NEW DATE! The Confluence of Beauty – Cultural Intersectionality and Individualism in Art and Beadwork with Mikailah Thompson | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series

Birchard

***This event was rescheduled to March 19th*** As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Idyllwild Arts, the …

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Thu 26

Ataloa, A Beautiful Song Sung to Promote Native Arts and Culture with America Meredith | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series

March 26 @ 7:00 pm PST

Native American Arts Center

Ataloa, A Beautiful Song Sung to Promote Native Arts and Culture with America Meredith | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series

Birchard

As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Idyllwild Arts, the Native American Arts Center is holding a series …

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Thu 16

Land, Language, Family – Cahuilla Continuance, Cultural and Land Stewardship | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series

April 16 @ 7:00 pm PST

Native American Arts Center

Land, Language, Family – Cahuilla Continuance, Cultural and Land Stewardship | Spring Michael Kabotie Lecture Series

Birchard

As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Idyllwild Arts, the Native American Arts Center is holding a series …

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Idyllwild Arts Land Acknowledgement

Idyllwild Arts respectfully acknowledges the Qawishpa Cahuillangnah (also known as Cahuilla Band of Indians) and all nine sovereign Bands of Cahuilla people who have stewarded this land throughout the generations and continue to steward this land for all future generations.

Our Living Land Acknowledgement, developed in partnership with and approved by the Cahuilla Band of Indians Tribal Council in 2019, reflects our ongoing relationship with local tribal communities and our active affirmation of Indigenous history, perspectives, and culture. Rooted in respect and reinforced by constant learning, the statement aligns with the greater values of our community and reminds us that acknowledgment must always be matched with action, awareness, and care.