Overview
Founded in 1995, First Peoples Fund is guided by our belief in Collective Spirit. Collective Spirit is a commitment to nurture our shared humanity and honor our connection to one another, the lands around us, those who came before us, and the spirit of all things. The Collective Spirit moves each of us to stand up and make a difference, pass on ancestral knowledge, and extend a hand of generosity. The Collective Spirit is essential to sustaining the cultural fabric of Native communities and our ability to thrive.
Our mission is to honor and support the Collective Spirit of First Peoples artists and culture bearers. Our work recognizes the power of art and culture to bring about positive change in Native communities, beginning with individual artists and their families.
Oglala Lakota Artspace Artist in Residence
The Artist in Residency (AiR) program is designed to support Oglala Lakota culture bearers and artists working in the continuum of Lakota art, historically, traditionally, and contemporarily; to develop their practice, explore connections, and build collaborations with local artists and community. We hope to provide uninterrupted time and space for culture bearers and artists to connect, reconnect, and ground their work in the community.
The Oglala Lakota Artspace (OLA) strives to provide a respectful, comfortable and productive environment, freeing artists from the pressures and distractions of daily life. Residencies range from two (2) to six (6) weeks in length. We will provide living accommodations, stipend, workspace, material stipend, transportation to and from residency, and time for artists to concentrate on their creative practice.
Stipends according to residency length:
- $1250 stipend for a two (2) week residency + Material supply support $250
- $1875 stipend for a three (3) week residency + Material supply support $375
- $2500 stipend for a four (4) week residency + Material supply support $500
- $3125 stipend for a five (5) week residency + Material supply support $625
- $3750 stipend for a six (6) week residency + Material supply support $750
Travel to and from residency (mileage, or plane ticket + rental car if needed)
A furnished cabin with a kitchen, bath, and wifi will be provided.
The residency is open to visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, musicians, interdisciplinary artists, performance artists, and collaborative teams. Applicants must exhibit professional standing in their field and established or emerging artists are encouraged to apply.
Residency Duration & Dates
Residencies Duration is variable: 2-6 weeks
- May - November 2024
Disciplines & Materials
There are two classifications for AiR Residencies: the Wicahpi Olowan Artist-in-Residency is for artists seeking to to make work in the Wicahpi Olowan recording studio; the OLA Artist-in-Residence category is for those working in any other artistic or cultural practice.
Native artists and Culture bearers are essential to sustain their culture and communities through their creative practices. First Peoples Fund supports their growth and work by providing access to resources they need to grow as entrepreneurs and community leaders. We encourage all first-time applications and returning applicants who have not received a residency with the Oglala Lakota Artspace.
- Culture Bearers and artists of all visual, literary, or media arts disciplines may apply
- Artists working in most media will be considered.
- *Artists working with toxic materials, hazardous machinery, etc., will not be considered due to limitations within the building.
Expectations
- All artists-in-residence are required to participate in at least one public program, either on-site or offsite, during their residency. The type and scope of the programs will be mutually designed and agreed upon by the artist and OLA staff. Engagements include community projects, lectures, demonstrations, youth-learning experiences, workshops, and other special programming. Please note that if Covid protocols are enacted, and when needed to comply with tribal ordinances, we creatively and safely engage the public.
General Eligibility
A primary applicant may submit only one OLA AiR application per year. All primary applicants must meet all of the general requirements below before applying to any of the categories.
Individuals applying to the OLA AiR:
- Must be an enrolled member or provide proof of lineal descendancy of the Oglala Lakota Tribe
- Applicants may be emerging or established culture bearers and/or artists.
- Application must be a practicing artist.
- Applicants must not have received a previous residency with the Oglala Lakota Artspace. We encourage the previous artists in residence to submit self-sufficient creative proposals that may build on a continuation of projects started while in residence. There may be limited support available.
- Must have submitted a Final Report for any previously awarded FPF grants/support.
Ineligible for Support
- Projects, groups, or organizations affiliated or sponsored by colleges or universities, Student work completed for academic credit or as part of an academically supported project, program, or residency
- Artists/Culture Bearers who received a residency in the previous year
- Artists/Culture Bearers who have a fellowship with FPF in the concurrent year as the residency
- Artists/Ensembles who have outstanding reports for previous FPF support/grant
- Current OLA studio artist tenants are not eligible to apply; Please contact leslie@firstpeoplesfund.org to discuss other potential opportunities.
Application Timeline
- Call to artists open | March 18, 2024
- Application Deadline | April 8, 2024, at 11:59 pm MT
- Applications Review | April 10-19, 2024
- Notification of award | April 22, 2024
To discuss residency opportunities in the Wicahpi Olowan Recording Studio, email Talon@firstpeoplesfund.org for an appointment or call 1(605)646-2975.
To discuss residency opportunities in all other artforms, email Leslie@firstpeoples.org for an appointment or call 1(605)441-9086.