RAPID CITY, SD – Racing Magpie has announced the sixth round of Sinew Fund grant awards. Through a continued partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation’s Regional Regranting program, this initiative provides a vital platform for Lakota country, offering creatives the resources to launch innovative projects rooted in place and land.
For this cycle, the Sinew Fund awarded three collaborative grants of $10,000 each. Selected by an independent panel of experts, the winning projects were chosen for their creative impact, community engagement, and feasibility. These artists have one year to bring their visual arts-focused visions to fruition.
Photo: Racing Magpie
The Spring 2026 Recipients
Ma Lakota Project: Amanda Takes War Bonnet & Jennifer Young Bull Bear
The Ma Lakota Project (“I am Lakota”) is a six-month series of community workshops held on the eastern side of the Pine Ridge Reservation. This initiative focuses on “old- style” customary crafts, including various porcupine quilling techniques, creating parfleche containers, and designing bone breastplate necklaces. By teaching these ancestral skills, the project aims to strengthen community ties and deepen the understanding of Lakota identity and culture.
Creative Regenerations: Donald Montileaux & Keith BraveHeart
Lead Artist Donald Montileaux returns to Rockyford School to regenerate a community artwork first established in 2012, joined by Keith BraveHeart, who will manage the program. Together, they will mentor more than 500 students and staff in 2D design, ceramics, and installation. This collaboration culminates in a site-specific public mural, composed of individual ceramic tiles handcrafted by the Rockyford community, for the school lunchroom.
Sovereign Selfies: Adonica Little-Hamilton & Teslah Knight
Selfie Makoče Studios presents Sovereign Selfies, an immersive art installation featuring a selfie studio with vibrant photo backgrounds that highlight Oceti Sakowin artistry, promote cultural understanding, and empower self-expression. This free, interactive art experience will take place at the Black Hills Powwow. In collaboration with local Lakota artists, we’ll incorporate cultural design patterns, concepts, and techniques into each background and 3D element.
About the Sinew Fund
The past, present, and future of Lakota communities are held and led by Oceti Sakowin visual creatives, which include artists, makers, and culture bearers. This grant program supports them and the community by funding collaborative, artist-led, community projects by Oceti Sakowin visual creatives in Lakota communities.
Oceti Sakowin visual creatives based anywhere in the United States may receive funding to do project work in Lakota communities. Because of the importance of place and land, funded projects will occur within Lakota communities in current-day/so-called western South Dakota on the Northern Plains.
Please visit Awarded Projects to learn more about fund recipients.