This new 9,000-square-foot facility for the Cheyenne River Youth Project expands the Waniyetu Wowapi Lakota Youth Art and Culture Institute, providing essential space for their existing campus and programs. Our design creates a building that is not just a vessel for art but an active participant in the creative process. We envisioned the structure as a living canvas, meant to be painted and repainted, empowering the community to continually reshape its identity. This approach fosters a dynamic and responsive environment, maximizing creative potential.
Inside, the institute features a diverse array of dedicated spaces, including:
Individual artist studios and a dedicated exhibition gallery.
Specialized art-making studios for pottery, screen printing, and photography.
Classrooms and administrative offices.
Intergenerational gathering spaces for youth, adults, and elders.
A multi-purpose outdoor gathering space.
The institute will serve as a hub for critical cultural initiatives, including the Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park and Art Walk, the annual RedCan graffiti jam, the Lakota Arts Fellowship, and a comprehensive art internship program for eight Lakota youth.
Our Approach: Innovation in Design and Delivery
The successful execution of this ambitious, rural project required an innovative approach to both design and project management. We prioritized making the building a piece of community art, integrating its form directly into the functional needs of the program. This enhanced the facility’s ability to be responsive to community needs and maximized opportunities for creative expression.
Months of strategic and resourceful planning with the Cheyenne River Youth Project’s leadership, staff and the extended community allowed us to deliver a significant project within a modest budget. Our focus on creative problem-solving and efficient resource allocation ensured the successful realization of their vision. We’re proud to have contributed to a space that will nurture creativity and cultural heritage for generations.
