Indian Arts and Crafts Board

The Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB) was established in 1934 as part of the Indian Reorganization Act. This U.S. government organization was created to promote, encourage, and revive Native American arts and crafts. While primarily intended as an economic measure to boost Native American income, the board also valued the aesthetic and cultural strengths of these traditions. The IACB's efforts led to a revival of native crafts, engaging artisans who remembered older techniques to pass them on. This initiative fostered a renaissance in Native American art that continues today, with many tribes now supporting their arts through dedicated funds, sales centers, and museums. The board's work also helped pave the way for institutions like the Institute of American Indian Arts, which provides training for young Native American artists.1