Presented by the Delaware Art Museum in Collaboration with Nanticoke Indian Association
The 4th Annual Powwow of Arts and Culture at the Delaware Art Museum will celebrate Indigenous culture with traditional dance, music, 20 Indigenous artisan vendors, food vendors, and art activities for children. Taking place on Saturday, April 12, this Powwow (along with Museum admission) is free and open to the public.
This year’s Powwow will unite 15 participating tribes in a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage. Witnessing an authentic Indigenous gathering will be a rare opportunity for many attendees, making this event educational and genuinely inspiring.
“Indigenous culture is not to be forgotten, belittled or erased. We are a part of the story, always,” states Iz Balleto, Delaware Art Museum’s Manager of Cultural Programming.
Five years ago, Iz Balleto, who is Native-born from Peru and of the Quechua people, descendants of the Incas, set out to educate the community about the land’s original stewards, the Lenni Lenape tribe, to the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. He sought and received permission from former Nanticoke Chief Natasha Norwood Carmine and former Lenni Lenape Principal Chief Dennis Coker to host a Powwow of Arts and Culture at the Museum.
It is important to recognize that only individuals of Indigenous descent can host a Powwow, as it holds deep, sacred, and traditional significance. Like a family reunion, Powwows bring people together from near and far to celebrate life, achievements, and traditions through song, dance, storytelling, and drumming. Adrienne Harmon, Dance Coordinator for the Nanticoke Indian Dance Troupe, reflects on the significance of powwows saying, “Powwows are not just a cultural event, but an educational platform to teach the community about the rich diversity of Indigenous People and highlight our unique differences and shared values.”
Sponsors: This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com. Also in support of this event is Center for Interventional Pain & Spine, Guerrilla 1794 Republik, The Connect, New Castle County Delaware, Nanticoke Indian Tribe Delaware & Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation.
About the Delaware Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Museum has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware. It is alive with experiences, discoveries, and activities to connect people with art and with each other. Originally created in 1912 to honor the renowned illustrator and Wilmington-native, Howard Pyle, the Museum’s collection has grown to over 12,000 works of art in our building and sculpture garden. Also recognized for British Pre-Raphaelite art, the Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, and a growing collection of significant contemporary art.
Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, the Delaware Art Museum is implementing a comprehensive approach to community and civic engagement. This exciting new strategic direction requires that we increase our value and relevance to all audiences. Visit delart.org to for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: 4th Annual Powwow of Arts and CultureWHEN: Apr 12, 2025, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806
COST: Free
INFO: https://delart.org/event/powwow2025/