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Cultural tourism reports: 1,000-plus take Cherokee history course; $300,000 in Artist Recovery Act spending
Summary
Cherokee Nation cultural tourism staff reported more than 1,000 participants in a Cherokee history course in FY25, over $300,000 invested through the Artist Recovery Act, active construction at Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch and an upcoming Cherokee Art Market.
Cherokee Nation cultural tourism staff reported that the Cherokee history course has exceeded 1,000 participants in fiscal year 2025 and that the Artist Recovery Act (ARA) has supported more than $300,000 in direct spending with Cherokee artists.
Molly Jarvis, presenting the cultural tourism report to the Culture Committee, said the history course currently has classes both inside the reservation and offsite and that program organizers expect to expand reach. "We now have more than a thousand participants who have taken the course in fiscal year 25," Jarvis said.
Jarvis reported that more than 479 artists participated in ARA programs this year, covering public art bids, museum programs and art shows that included financial assistance. "We have invested more than $300,000 in direct spending with our Cherokee artists this year," she said.
Jarvis and Travis Owens also briefed the committee on active projects. Owens said construction is underway at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch with an expected public opening in 2026 and that an art facility at the Instill Well is under construction to provide classroom, gallery and storage space for works acquired through ARA efforts.
The committee was invited to attend the 20th Cherokee Art Market at Hard Rock on the weekend of Oct. 10; Jarvis said an opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10. Owens described gallery programming in the proposed Heritage Center redevelopment that would include a National Treasures gallery, rotating displays and flexible teaching spaces.
Committee members asked for copies of the presentation materials for distribution to community organizations; Owens said fuller materials and attachments exist and that staff can share them with councilors for community briefings.
No formal committee action or appropriations on these cultural tourism updates were recorded in the meeting; presenters framed the items as operational and program updates.
