Anna Freeman (Ohio State)
Aligning Indigenous Presence, Earthen Monuments, and Artistic Practices at a Land Grant Institution: A Participatory Action Research Study

Inspired by the words of local tribal leaders and the work of Native American scholars, this study responds to the following question, “What is the nature and the strength of the relationship between Native American artists and the stakeholders at a land grant institution?” This first part of the study utilizes a Participatory Action Research approach to learn both with and from Native American perspectives on topics of Earthworks, Indigenous art, and sovereignty. The latter part approaches stakeholders working within exhibition spaces at a land grant institution to determine their perceptions of Native artists and Indigenous worldviews. In discussions with local tribal leaders, they expressed a desire to gather other Indigenous perspectives on the Earthworks. This study aims to contribute to that objective in order to help safeguard these sacred sites, many of which are under consideration to become UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This all-Indigenous-led project offers a unique contribution that seeks strategies for arts educators and university stakeholders who are uniquely positioned to address their institution’s complex history.

Co-Advisors: Dr. Christine Ballengee Morris, Professor Emeritus and Dr. Richard Fletcher, Associate Professor

Bio: Anna Freeman is a Ph.D. candidate in the Arts Administration, Education, and Policy program, specializing in Museum Education and Administration. Her dissertation examines the relationship between land grant universities, local Native nations, and Indigenous contemporary artists. She is also interested in institutional critique, art museum education, and community-based outreach.