The Zuni Artist Resource Team (ZART)

ZART is an innovative, cross-cultural, unprecedented start-up program of the nonprofit Keshi Foundation.

Through a robust website, ZART is an expanded economic and educational opportunity for Zuni Pueblo

Artists, reaching markets across the US and globally.  TKF believes this is the right program at the right time and place.

The first result of this program is the ZARTeam website. ZART offices are in Gallup, NM, where Zuni artists can sell their work at fair market prices and meet and discuss how to present their work best. ZART provides education, training, and the equipment that makes it possible and offers Zunis well-paying jobs to accomplish those goals.

ZART operates as a program of The Keshi Foundation

There are several phases to the program:

1. ZART created a space for operating the ZART website. Jobs were created for team members introduced to creating high-quality digital photography, processing images, and website maintenance.

2. Selling through e-commerce. The initial inventory on the ZART website consists of donated items of Zuni artwork. Sales of this inventory have enabled the start of phase 3 below. If you’re interested in donating Zuni artwork, click here.  Please note: donations of Zuni artwork must be sent to the Keshi Foundation. Unrestricted donations maintain ZART's infrastructure (rents, utilities, website hosting, and staff support). Restricted contributions can be made for specific purposes, i.e., Display fixtures, promotional materials, etc.) Donations of Zuni artwork and income from e-commerce sales of Zuni artwork are used to purchase additional artwork directly from Zuni artists. The Keshi Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and continues to operate as an all-volunteer organization.

3. Direct purchase of Zuni artwork from Zunis at fair market prices is a significant step towards empowering the Zuni community. For many years, outside entities have controlled commerce with Zuni artists, creating situations where artists must either sell at below-market prices or not sell at all. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the livelihoods of untold Zuni artists. Our direct purchase initiative aims to change this narrative and provide a fair platform for Zuni artists to showcase and sell their work.

4. Face-to-face retail. The ZART location is in the historic downtown area, renowned for Native American arts.

How does ZART benefit Zuni artists? 

Artists receive support in selling, promoting, marketing, and educating consumers about the value of their work.

High-quality photographs are made of each piece. Artists can access photographs for show submissions, museum collections, etc.

Each artist has a page on the ZART-maintained website. ZART handles sales fulfillment.

Artists learn from their web page how to best present their work and use eCommerce sales data.  

ZART is a model for pricing, presenting, and enhancing artists’ work for other venues.

ZART maintains archival records of sales and buyers and is a resource history of the artwork, provenance, and possible source for museum collections.

How does ZART benefit the broader Zuni community?

Creating jobs for ZART team members and teaching business, photography, web design, and maintenance skills. This creates a scalable model and can be applied in other venues.

Providing team members with competitive compensation for the tasks performed.

Creating economic opportunities close to Zuni Pueblo that sustain access to markets and income without having to move away from Zuni Pueblo and its traditions and culture.