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Pathways

A Native Space Initiative

Important Application Dates

 

WHAT IS PATHWAYS: A NATIVE SPACE INITIATIVE?

Pathways: A Native Space Initiative is: 

  • a year-long,
  • virtual and in-person,
  • cohort-based,
  • capacity-building program
  • designed to support Native arts and cultural organizations in accessing, expanding, and developing arts and cultural space in their communities. 

The goal of Pathways is to utilize Artspace’s decades of expertise as a real estate developer for the creative sector to assist Native American arts and cultural organizations in developing and implementing strategies that leverage their existing cultural and creative assets and support the development and sustainability of new arts and cultural spaces. 

 

Is Pathways for Me?

Pathways may be what your organization needs to advance your space-related issues if you've ever asked any of the following questions:  

  • Is our organization outgrowing our current space? Can we afford a bigger space?
  • Do we have the amenities needed to fully carry out our mission?
  • Are we able to archive ancestral objects?
  • Should we buy or lease a new space? 

The program is designed to be most beneficial to those Native arts and cultural organizations that are either emergent as organizations or emergent in their pursuit of physical space to meet their programming needs. 

 

Is My Organization Eligible?

To be eligible for Pathways, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a dedicated budget supporting Native arts and cultural programming
  • Have been providing arts and cultural programming for at least three (3) years
  • Be located within one of the following regions:  Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Southern California, South Dakota, Washington, or Wisconsin
  • Commit to participating in all program workshops, events, and one-on-one sessions
  • Participate as a two-person leadership team throughout the duration of the program

 

Pathways map

What Participants Gain

Pathways examines key areas of the space planning process including project concept, cost analysis, communications, project funding, and aligned financial stewardship, all with the recognition of how the cultural values of Indigenous communities might inform these topics. 

Gain a deeper understanding of the space planning process and key insights needed to make informed decisions about the next steps for their space project.

Develop a supportive network of community peers to share experiences and resources with during and beyond the program.

Gain access to various tools and templates that will help plan and advance their space project.

Based upon the areas of focus they choose within Pathways, participants will receive tailored attention on their greatest areas of challenge and greatest areas of opportunity.

In addition to the 12-month curriculum, one-on-one meetings, and guest speaker presentations all related to the support of participants' space initiatives, the Pathways program includes a $25,000.00 subgrant for those organizations who successfully complete the program to be used to further support the planning of their space initiatives.

How We Meet

Participants will meet virtually on a monthly basis throughout the year. Pathways is conducted using Microsoft Teams and Howspace, an online learning and engagement platform.

The program also includes two required in-person events:

  • Kickoff Workshop: June 23–24, 2026
  • Final Event: May 25–26, 2027

Both events will take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and all travel expenses will be covered by the program.

These two-hour sessions occur once a month and address elements of the space planning process, like project concept, cost analysis, and funding. They alternate with guest speaker presentations. In addition to curriculum delivery, they provide space for group discussion and cross-cohort interaction and learning.

These two-hour sessions feature insights from industry experts and Native organizations that have worked on their own space initiatives. These sessions alternate with workshops throughout the year.

These hour-long, one-on-one technical assistance and training sessions are based on areas of focus chosen by participants to allow for tailored attention for their space-related projects. These sessions are spread throughout the year and account for up to six additional hours.

The cohort will meet twice in person - a kickoff at the start and a celebration at the end of the program.

Pathways Team

Ron Martinez Looking Elk

Ron Martinez Looking Elk

Creative Community Consulting, Lead Consultant
Cecily Engelhart

Cecily Engelhart

CEO, Cecily Rose LLC
Jessi Fett
 

Jessi Fett

Consulting Director
Placeholder
 

Jackie Ralles

Consulting Coordinator
Pablo Lituma
 

Pablo Lituma

Project Manager, Property Development

Cohorts

Pathways (2025)
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Meet the Cohort
Pathways (2024)
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Meet the Cohort
Pathways (2022-23)
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Meet the Cohort

Special Acknowledgement

The influence that First Peoples Fund and Lakota Funds have had on Artspace has been instrumental in its work with diverse Native American organizations and Native communities looking for assistance with their space goals. Artspace recognizes First Peoples Fund and Lakota Funds as thought leaders in creating social and economic change by putting artists and culture bearers at the center of community development. It is with deep gratitude to First Peoples Fund and Lakota Funds that Artspace has been welcomed into this inspiring work in honoring the Collective Spirit © of the First Peoples of this nation.

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