Community & Kinship

The vision of Oyate Studio prioritizes the vitality of community within the ecosystem of the Native art world. We seek to define and practice working together in essence of Lakota values. We acknowledge our relation to one another and our collective experience as Original People. Together, we work cohesively toward a better future. We collaborate with Native entrepreneurs, schools, as well as pockets of the broader Native community. We seek to engage with art as a means of survival and economic empowerment.

Sustainability

We aim to create a lasting impact that fosters cultural pride, connects people, and supports the arts as an essential part of community identity. Our goal is to develop a business model that sustains a workforce of our own creation. By harnessing local talent, we are committed to creating vibrant and inclusive space that amplifies skill-sharing, craftsmanship, and beyond.

Artist Support & Economic Empowerment

Oyate Studio’s vision is to play a pivotal role in advancing economic opportunities for Native artists and makers by creating avenues for them to sell their work and gain visibility. This could include developing partnerships with galleries, museums, and online platforms, as well as curating exhibitions that showcase the diversity of artistic expressions through Native experience. By promoting proper compensation and advocating for the intellectual property rights of Native artists and makers, the studio could help create sustainable income streams and elevate Native art within the marketplace.

Oyate Studio fosters the professional growth of Native artists by providing a collaborative, resource-rich environment. This could involve access to tools and materials, mentorship opportunities, offering workshops and educational programming. Such support would aim to empower emerging artists while helping established artists refine their craft and expand their professional networks. Oyate Studio facilitates creative exploration while maintaining respect for the cultural and symbolic meaning behind Native made art.

Contemporary Art as Cultural Narrative

In addition to traditional art forms, the vision of Oyate Studio includes the cultivation of contemporary art that addresses modern experiences, societal challenges, and the ongoing reclamation and revival of Indigenous identity. Oyate Studio provides a space for Native artists and makers to engage with contemporary themes, while still drawing upon culture and upbringing. This might include visual arts, digital media, sculpture, and performance art, all of which can serve as tools for storytelling, activism, and cultural advocacy.

Cultural Preservation & Revitalization

The core of Oyate Studio is the commitment to preserving and revitalizing Native art forms, such as hide processing, sewing and quilting, beadwork, leatherwork, painting, etc. These art forms are deeply intertwined with cultural knowing, and the studio aims to ensure that these ways are passed down through each generation. The key objective is to offer a structured environment for artists to continue these various practices.