The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) has announced the appointment of Danyelle Means, an Oglala Lakota, as the interim director of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe, NM. Prior to this role, Means held positions at the First Peoples Fund and the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, Inc.
Starting January 6, 2024, according to a press release by NMDCA, Means will collaborate with MIAC Deputy Director Elisabeth Stone to maintain and improve public services and programs. She is notably the first person of Indigenous heritage to lead the Center for Contemporary Arts. Her previous roles include director of advancement at the Institute of American Indian Arts, executive director of the Institute of American Indian Arts Foundation, and she has experience at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.
"Danyelle Means’ history and experience, locally at SWAIA, CCA, and IAIA, and nationally with the National Museum of the American Indian, will maintain stability and move Museum of Indian Arts & Culture forward in the interim," said Garcia y Griego. "The museum’s commitment to education and outreach programs and its close work with Indigenous communities will benefit greatly from Danyelle’s tremendous skills."
"I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to serve as the Interim Director of Museum of Indian Arts & Culture," said Means. "While there, I look forward to working with Tribal partners and in support of the statewide vision of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs."
As part of its mission statement provided by MIAC itself, it is stated that as part of the Museum of New Mexico system, MIAC is dedicated to Native art and material culture. It tells stories about Southwest communities that span from pre-history to contemporary art.