Sam Aros-Mitchell leading Malia Araki Burkhart in learning the “Muscle & Bone Technique” in workshops that were part of the week-long celebration of Native American contemporary artists. (Patti Hoffmann)
The NE/X: A Festival of Indigenous Performance, Music, and Art took place November 8-16 at the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE. This inaugural festival was produced by Sam Aros-Mitchell of SAROS field/works, in partnership with Rosy Simas Danse, a dance group headquartered in the same building. The art festival was a week-long gathering of Indigenous artists showcasing movement, installation, sound and film.
Aros-Mitchell’s goal with the festival was to guide, support and elevate Native contemporary artists. He believes the Indian community is in a renaissance period that will demonstrate native excellence and creativity.
“Native American artistry is still too often seen as images from the past — baskets, pottery and regalia displayed behind glass,” Aros-Mitchell explained. “But contemporary Native artists are creating work that reflects the past, present and future. They have stories to tell, unique ways of thinking and a wide range of lived experiences.”
Earlier this year, he put out a call across North America for
Indigenous artists to participate. From that call, ten artists were selected, representing communities from Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, Brooklyn, Turtle Mountain (North Dakota) and Minneapolis.
Aros-Mitchell expressed gratitude to the Minnesota State Arts Board for their support as well as Artspace and the Northrup King Building, Rosy Simas Danse and the Northeaster newspaper.