The Lending Collections
The Masquerade Tribal Arts series (MTA) is a traveling exhibition program managed by the Nickl Art Foundation (NAF), a nonprofit based in the heart of the Midwest. Our organization supports museums, educational institutions, and cultural groups, providing students, faculty, and the broader community with a unique opportunity to explore ethnographic art while expanding the boundaries of learning.
We provide a comprehensive service for lending rare cultural artworks, including exhibit management, packaging, assembly, marketing support, and transportation. This holistic approach allows clients to concentrate on their agendas without logistical burdens. Additionally, we offer promotional materials and interpretive content, including custom posters, object labels, section texts, scenography, a
Artworks from the Ancient Americas collection, including expertly crafted stone idols, silver and gold pieces, painted ceramics, and woven textiles, serve as essential educational resources. They connect audiences to the diverse civilizations of the past, enhancing critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and historical empathy. By examining these artifacts, students improve their visual literacy
Our vast collection of African Art encompasses diverse artistic forms linked to religious beliefs and cultural traditions. This art serves as a powerful medium for honoring ancestors and conveying historical, political, and social messages, thus providing key insights into the continent's history. Integrating African art into educational programs helps students understand its connection to daily l
The Oceanic artworks highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands, revealing crucial details about their complex spiritual beliefs, ancestral veneration, and social status. Much of the art is deeply rooted in religion, acting as a direct conduit to ancestors, gods, and the spiritual power known as mana. These artistic traditions include sculpture, tattooing, and textiles, often serv
Our extensive textile holdings showcase an array of traditional fabrics sourced from various regions across Africa, while also offering essential details into the meaning behind their symbology. The diverse techniques and abstractions associated with the craft have remained a key source of inspiration for Western society.
About the Nickl Art Foundation
Our Mission
The objective of our lending collections is to promote education and foster an appreciation for the diverse ethnicities and cultural arts across the globe. Driven by a commitment to academia and a fascination for the elegant and abstract qualities of traditional ethnographic art, Brian Nickl established the Nickl Art Foundation (NAF) in 2008 and curated an extensive collection of African, Oceanic, and pre-Hispanic artifacts. Viewing these objects through an anthropological lens, he appreciates their ritualistic and utilitarian applications, as well as their roles within indigenous communities. As an artist, Nickl is drawn to tribal art for its expressive power, form, and visual aesthetic. Through diligent research and collaborations with art dealers, private collectors, and museum organizations, he has developed a keen eye for identifying quality artworks ideal for the learning experience. The partnership launched its inaugural large-scale exhibition in 2008 and continues to function as a nonprofit institution, lending to museums and universities nationwide.
Become Part of Our Journey
Book Your Next Traveling Exhibition
If you're looking for a temporary exhibition that attracts people, is budget-friendly, and easy to install, the Nickl Art Foundation is the perfect choice! Connect with us to discover how our lending collections provide unparalleled learning experiences. Feel free to reach out using the contact option below should you have any questions.
