"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path

TULSA, Oklahoma - Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates Cherokee Casinos, will soon issue a call for art to citizens of the Cherokee Nation.

In accordance with Cherokee law, casino expansion projects at Catoosa and West Siloam Springs must display historic and culturally appropriate artwork created by Cherokee Nation citizens.

“The legislative act further supports our goal of self-sufficiency for all Cherokees by spending this allowance of the casino money on Cherokee artwork,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “It also creates an outstanding opportunity for our Cherokee artists and our casino facilities to display beautiful artwork portraying our Cherokee history to the millions of guests that visit each year.”

Legislative Act 01-07 provides that any new construction or renovation by the Cherokee Nation that exceeds $500,000 shall set aside 1 percent of the total cost of construction or renovation for the purchase of artwork that is historically and culturally appropriate for the facility as well as costs for display and installation. The Act further provides the artwork must be designed and created by Cherokee Nation citizens.

With the estimated $125 million expansion of Cherokee Casino Resort, Catoosa, and the $108 million expansion of Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs, CNE, the wholly owned business entity of the Cherokee Nation, will have more than $2 million earmarked for purchasing Cherokee artwork for the two casino and hotel projects. CNE has the responsibility to notify artists of a call for art for new facilities and to provide specific information relative to the artwork such as color palette, dimensions and theme.

The Cherokee Nation has identified historic themes for various locations within the 14-county jurisdictional area in order to depict unique eras of Cherokee history. Art for Cherokee Casino Resort must depict prehistoric Cherokee tribalism and origins through motifs of clans, myths and symbolism. Cherokee Casino West Siloam Spring’s art must represent the era of 1830-1845 and the resourcefulness and adaptability of the Cherokee people in the transition of their lifestyle.

Cherokee Casino Resort’s expansion is targeted for completion in early 2009 while Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs is slated for late 2008.

Calls for art will be posted at Cherokee Bids and Cherokee Artistist Association.

CNE will also mail requests for art to all Cherokee tribal artists on its mailing list. To be included on the CNE mailing list, contact Linda Allen, by e-mail or phone: 918-384-7768.