Hello,

We’re looking for Indigenous artists to complete three projects in our community:

  • A rubberized fall surface design for our playground teaching children about our stories and lifeways as they play
  • A highway-facing mural embodying our mission of healing, hope, and liberation
  • A dining area sculpture reminding us to give thanks and to feed the spirits of our ancestors
We invite you to submit a proposal for any of these projects that speak to you. You can view the full RFPs here.​​​​​​
                           
Rubberized Fall Surface

Our Community’s vision for this playground is bold. It draws upon our language, spatial organization, stellar theology, spirituality, and ecological knowledge to create a space unlike anything that has been done before in the Reservation. Its shape follows the shape of the He Sapa, the heart at the center of everything. Each of the Seven Sacred Sites is marked by a play structure which relates to that site. Designs should continue to build upon this concept. They should be an expression of our Lakȟota way of life and educate children and families visiting the playground about the ceremonies, teachings, and stories that are integral to our sacred sites. Please note that this design is 2D only and has special considerations due to the material.

Compensation: $2,500

Mural

TVCDC envisions a liberated Lakȟóta nation through our language, culture, and spirituality. Our liberation model is a generational approach that starts wwith healing from historical and lived traumas. From healing, we find hope for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Muralists are asked to submit designs that depict their interpretation of Lakȟóta liberation through hope, healing, and our Lifeways that leaves viewers feeling uplifed, inspired, and encouraged. For example, this may include representations of collective growth, mending of the sacred hoop, and uniting the Seven Council Fires.
Compensation: $5,000

Sculpture

As Lakȟóta when we eat we do more than provide our bodies with the nourishment to sustain life. It is an extension of our spirituality and ceremony. We come together in prayer and give thanks to our plant and animal relatives who have given us this nourishment. We connect with each other and feed the spirits of our ancestors. Sculptors are asked to reflect on the act of coming together in prayer to prepare and share a meal. Designs must incorporate a non-removable plate or bowl-like vessel where food from the meal can be placed. This vessel will act as a reminder to the users of the dining area to feed the spirits.
Compensation: $10,000

Proposals for these projects must be submitted in full by 09/22/2021 at 3pm MDT to kimberly@thundervalley.org or in-person/mail at our offices at 290 Empowerment Drive PO box 290 Porcupine, SD 57772.

We are proud to be part of a community with so many talented artists, and eager to showcase that talent.

Thank you!