Cowboy
Artisan
Traditions
Project
C U L T U R A L V A L U E
Vista 360° is working with traditional cowboy artisans in the Northern Rockies region of the U.S. The goal is to continue building an alliance of traditional cowboy artisans and artisan support organizations to preserve this valuable heritage, contribute to community resilience in rural areas and build a support system to sustain these traditions through the 21st century, making use of modern technologies to do so. It has four components: historical research; contemporary research; public programming; and digital humanities.
The results will offer insights into how we can best support cultural preservation, document unique talents and carry these practices into the digital age.
C O N N E C T I O N
Through interviews and co-creation we are collaborating with traditional artisans in the Northern Rockies to gather information about:
— What artisans need to thrive?
— What is important to the future of these traditions?
Project scope includes Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado and eastern Nevada.
If you would like to participate in this research please join us!
A R T I S A N S
Our project will explore cowboy artisan traditions in the Rocky Mountain region to better understand why and how this heritage is being lost and/or perpetuated -- and then put this understanding to work to improve the chances of survival and revival. It is a pilot project that can be replicated with other artisans in other places as a way to transform the artisan sector for the 21st century.
M O U N T A I N
C U L T U R E
Research will begin with an historical investigation of cowboy artisan traditions in the Rocky Mountain region (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado) and in the Great Basin of Nevada. Using secondary sources and assistance from local historical societies, we will explore when these traditions first emerged (in leatherwork, silversmithing, horsehair braiding, saddle-making, blacksmith arts and furniture making).
W H A T
E M P O W E R & P R E S E R V E
We take a wholistic approach to the support of artisans and culturally relevant businesses, taking into consideration all aspects of small creative business and recognizing that each aspect has its own set of requirements for long-term sustainability.
With unique focus on "closing the digital divide" artisans need support to adapt to the growing digitalization of economies to be better equipped to address the challenges they face looking ahead to 2030.
H O W
E N G A G E
In this current trade landscape, Vista 360°'s SMART plans to develop E-commerce and social media access have become even more relevant. Supporting artisans includes:
Define sustainable economic growth
Identify tradition current and future audience
Present findings and Artisan Support model
W H O
C A R O L
With over 10 years experience working with Vista 360° and strong understanding of the range of the projects and their resources, currently she is “falling in love” with the Cowboy project.
L U C A S
Focused on linking technology to cultural preservation and community resilience, Luke aims to take on the role of Executive Director in 2023. He is also the Visual Production leader.
V A N E S S A
With deep experience in documentary filmmaking, global creative production and International conservation, Vanessa is a driving force in storytelling and cultural preservation.
C A N D R A
With over 15 years of collaboration experiences, Candra offers visionary insights connecting handcrafts, cultural exchange, the State Department, and local expertise with USA and Kyrgyzstan.
W H E R E
R O C K Y
M O U N T A I N
Research will begin with an historical investigation of cowboy artisan traditions in the Rocky Mountain region (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado) and in the Great Basin of Nevada.
Cowboy Artisan Traditions Project Overview
A recent Economic Research Institute report states that there are approximately 688 saddlemakers in the U.S., with an average annual salary of $32,525. If accurate, this is clearly a disappearing part of our heritage. We believe that this situation can be transformed in our region – and for many of the 300 million artisans in the world – if we address all six action areas in a balanced way, build on the excellent work done for artisan support in the past fifty years, work collaboratively in the context of the UN 2030 Agenda and use 21st century new technologies.
From a “big picture” perspective, the view from the peaks, this project is a modest pilot project – a case study -- for preservation of artisan traditions and intangible cultural treasures anywhere.
“In reality, a lot of artisanal work is incredibly complex, and we must map the work and the future of these crafts as a vital aspect of Mountain Culture. It is more relevant than ever as digitalization makes sustainability and the UN SDGs front and center"
Cynthia - @ San Francisco Sustainable Business Consultant
MOUNTAIN CULTURE
J O I N U S !
T E C H N O L O G Y
Preserving artisan traditions includes moving these vital historic cultural icons onto the internet and documenting them for generations to come:
Training for artisans with Google Workplace
Mobile Social program development
Video production with InShot
Capital For Creatives mentorship model
To learn more about the Mobile Action Content Program and our strategic pathway for helping artisans join the global marketplace please visit our site or contact our team.
