The Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota, has been awarded a Smithsonian Affiliation, becoming the only institution in the state with such a designation. The partnership grants the museum access to Smithsonian programs, including artwork loans, touring exhibitions, educational resources, and professional development. The first public display of this collaboration is the new exhibit "Know Your Treaty: Wiwahokichiyapi," which opened in late April. The touring Smithsonian show, developed by the National Museum of the American Indian, examines the history of treaties between Indigenous nations and the U.S. government through photographs and text, while the museum has supplemented it with works by Indigenous artists from its permanent collection and loans.
This affiliation matters because it significantly expands the resources and reach of the Plains Art Museum, the largest museum in North Dakota, and brings national-level programming to a region that previously lacked such connections. The exhibit itself fosters critical dialogue about Indigenous history and treaty rights, pairing a Smithsonian-curated educational component with contemporary Indigenous art. The partnership also supports local research collaborations and student involvement, demonstrating how smaller regional museums can leverage national networks to enhance community engagement and cultural understanding.