In this enlightening episode of the Waterers Podcast, we engage with Holly Doll, an artist and cultural advocate hailing from Bismarck, North Dakota, and a proud member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Holly, who specializes in Lakota beadwork and quillwork, emphasizes the profound influence of her cultural heritage on her artistic practice and community involvement. Beyond her artistry, she serves as the Program Director for Ignite Rural with the Department of Public Transformation and as a Program Manager with Arts Midwest, where she champions grassroots initiatives and supports local artists. Throughout our discussion, Holly articulates the essential need for trust in philanthropy, advocating for a shift toward a model that prioritizes community engagement and long-term relationships over traditional risk-averse approaches. This conversation not only highlights Holly's multifaceted contributions to the arts but also underscores the importance of nurturing creativity and cultural sustainability within Native communities. Holly Doll, a distinguished artist and a proud member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, delineates her artistic journey and multifaceted professional roles in a captivating narrative. Residing in Bismarck, North Dakota, Holly has been steeped in the Lakota traditions of beadwork and quillwork since the tender age of two, under the nurturing guidance of her mother. This early exposure instilled in her a profound connection to her cultural heritage, which she adeptly weaves into her artistic endeavors and community engagements. Beyond her artistry, Holly serves as the Program Director for Ignite Rural with the Department of Public Transformation and as a Program Manager with Arts Midwest, where she applies her extensive experience in arts administration to advocate for the support of artists and cultural initiatives, particularly within BIPOC communities. Throughout the episode, Holly articulates the significance of cultural values in her work and emphasizes the need for trust-based approaches in philanthropy that prioritize relationship-building over traditional risk mitigation strategies. Her insights into the transformative power of grassroots initiatives resonate deeply, illustrating how art can serve as a catalyst for community empowerment and cultural sustainability.

Takeaways:

1. Holly Doll is a multifaceted artist and advocate deeply rooted in her Lakota heritage, specializing in traditional beadwork and quillwork passed down through generations.
2. Her extensive experience in the arts and culture nonprofit sector shapes her approach to community engagement and artist support, emphasizing the importance of cultural values.
3. Holly's collaboration with the Waterers collective highlights innovative practices in philanthropy, focusing on trust-based relationships and the empowerment of Native artists.
4. She asserts that traditional philanthropy often overlooks the complexities of Native artistry, advocating for a broader understanding of cultural expressions beyond stereotypes.
5. Holly emphasizes the significance of building lasting relationships with Native communities through communication and mutual understanding, moving at the 'speed of trust'.
6. The podcast illustrates the critical need for philanthropic organizations to adapt their methodologies to genuinely support Native artists and communities by prioritizing intention and impact over rigid frameworks.