Americans for the Arts announced today that Square and the Cheyenne River Youth Project will be awarded the David Rockefeller pARTnership Award at the BCA 10 black-tie gala on Oct. 2, 2018, at the Loeb Boathouse in New York City’s Central Park. The award recognizes a company and arts organization for an exceptional project, program or initiative that represents a true alliance, collaboration or exchange between the two.
Last year, Square and CRYP worked with San Francisco-based Even/Odd Films to produce a short film titled “Lakota in America.” The film tells the story of Lakota teen Genevieve Iron Lightning, her involvement with CRYP and its innovative internship program, and life on South Dakota’s remote Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.
“In less than 15 minutes, this film truly captures what we’re doing for all of our kids,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director. “It tells the whole story. So many of Cheyenne River’s young people are struggling, trying to navigate tough choices and find their path. We’re here to support and mentor them, every step of the way.
“We’re grateful to Square for commissioning this project, and for working so closely with us to help raise awareness and generate support for our Lakota youth,” she continued. “They are more than partners to us. They showed us so much respect, they honored us by letting us tell our story, and they continue to support us. All the wonderful people at Square and Even/Odd Films are now part of our extended family.”
Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, said he applauds the partnership between Square and CRYP, “which is not only spreading awareness of the arts and its intersection with economic success, but is positively impacting the lives of Eagle Butte residents and strengthening the community as a whole.”
“Lakota in America” is part of Square’s “For Every Kind of Dream” initiative. With an understanding of corporate responsibility and funding to make a difference, Square collaborates with filmmakers and organizations like CRYP to produce a series of films that share the meaningful stories and dreams of its users.
“We use Square technology in our Keya Cafe & Coffee Shop, which is one of our three social enterprises here at the CRYP campus,” Garreau explained. “Not only does it generate much-needed revenue for our ongoing programs and services here on Cheyenne River, the cafe also provides hands-on training and experience for teen interns like Genevieve. It empowers our young people, igniting their entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging them as they build a successful, vibrant, more secure future for themselves.”
Through the annual BCA 10 awards, the Business Committee for the Arts honors 10 U.S. companies for their exceptional commitment to the arts through grants, local partnerships, volunteer programs, matching gifts, sponsorships and board membership. This year’s honorees include Churchill Downs, Fifth Third Bank, Fosun, Phillips 66, The Standard, Tierney, UMB Financial Corporation, VF Corporation, West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, and Zions Bank.
In addition, Chandrika Tandon, Grammy-nominated singer and founder and chairperson of Tandon Capital Associates in New York City, will be honored with the BCA Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals for their extraordinary vision, leadership, and commitment to supporting the arts and for encouraging other businesses to follow their lead.
For information about BCA 10, contact Danielle Iwata at (202) 371-2830 or via e-mail at diwata@artsusa.org.
To stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook (/LakotaYouth), Twitter (@LakotaYouth) and Instagram (@waniyetuwowapi).
The Cheyenne River Youth Project, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities.
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 55 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at AmericansForTheArts.org.
Founded in 1967 by David Rockefeller, the Business Committee for the Arts (BCA), a division of Americans for the Arts, encourages, inspires, and stimulates businesses to support the arts in the workplace, in education, and in the community. The Business Committee for the Arts merged with Americans for the Arts’ in 2008.