Ryan Stopera, an award-winning writer, director, photographer, producer, and community advocate, epitomizes the transformative power of storytelling within diverse communities. His journey begain in social work, where he engaged with marginalized populations, ultimately catalyzing his passion for documentary filmmaking and narrative storytelling. With a commitment to elevating underrepresented voices, Ryan's work has challenged mainstream media narratives, particularly through his documentation of social movements since the 2008 recession. The essence of his endeavors lies in fostering collaboration and connection, as he believes that shared stories within communities significantly contribute to resilience and social change. This conversation illuminates the intersection of art, activism, and community, showcasing how Ryan's multifaceted experiences shape his mission to empower and uplift others through creative expression.

Ryan’s artistic philosophy emphasizes collaboration and the necessity of community-based storytelling. He reflects on how the supportive fabric of the Twin Cities’ artistic environment has fostered his projects, allowing for the coalescence of diverse voices and ideas. The episode further explores his current endeavors, including his work on a feature-length documentary titled 'Why We Dance', which illustrates the significance of indigenous dance as a vessel for cultural expression. Through heartfelt anecdotes and a commitment to social justice, Ryan's insights serve as a testament to the belief that art can indeed shape societal discourse, encouraging future generations to embrace their narratives and create collaborative spaces for change.

Takeaways:

Ryan Stopera's profound journey as a self-taught artist began with his dedication to social work, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Through his documentary work, Ryan has elevated marginalized narratives and transformed them into powerful stories that resonate with audiences.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Ryan's artistic practice, allowing him to merge storytelling with community organizing for impactful change.

Ryan's filmmaking endeavors strive to showcase the often-invisible aspects of community life, fostering connection and understanding among diverse populations.

The influence of familial relationships, particularly the memory of his late sister, serves as a driving force in Ryan's creative expressions and storytelling.

As an artist, Ryan advocates for the significance of building intentional relationships that sustain collaborative projects and enrich the creative process.

Links referenced in this episode:

www.waterers.org

elevenwarriorarts.com

https://www.ryanstopera.com/

https://www.artoftherural.org/

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Waterers

Bank of America

Art of the Rural

Talon "Bazille" Ducheneaux, a multifaceted rap artist from the Cheyenne River Lakota and Crow Creek Dakota nations, shares his story in this episode of the Waterers. With a profound commitment to his community, Talon is the manager of the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program Recording Studio, where he fosters the talents of Indigenous artists through mentorship and collaboration. His musical oeuvre, which includes culturally infused rap albums, embodies themes of struggle, resilience, and perseverance, drawing from his rich cultural heritage. In our conversation, we talk of Talon's influences, his journey in sound design and music production, and his vision for empowering Native youth in the arts. This episode not only highlights Talon's artistic endeavors but also underscores the importance of community support and the legacy of mentorship within Indigenous cultures.

The Waterers Podcast serves as a profound platform that elevates the voices of individuals who are ardently committed to enacting community-driven change. Through insightful discussions, the Waterers podcast offers a unique lens into the narratives of those who have benefitted from the support of the Waterers, an organization that seeks to disrupt conventional philanthropy by championing local control and empowering BIPOC creatives and organizations. In this episode, we engage with Talon "Bazille" Ducheneaux, a multifaceted rap artist and sound designer hailing from the Cheyenne River Lakota and Crow Creek Dakota tribes. Talon’s work extends beyond music into the realms of sound design and community engagement, illustrating the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in shaping the cultural landscape of Native communities across the Midwest. His experiences and artistic endeavors exemplify the intersection of heritage, creativity, and activism, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of insights into the role of art in fostering resilience and identity within indigenous populations.

Takeaways:

The Waterers Podcast amplifies grassroots initiatives that drive community-led transformation across diverse regions.

Talon Bazille Ducheneaux's work blends traditional Dakota and Lakota heritage with contemporary rap and sound design.

Community support is vital for artists, enabling them to share their voices and narratives effectively.

Grassroots organizations empower Native youth through accessible art and technology, fostering creativity and expression.

Talon's personal journey illustrates the healing power of music and the importance of mentorship in the arts.

Collaborative projects highlight the significance of cultural representation in music and the arts, bridging generations and experiences.

Chapters:

00:14 - Introduction to the Waterers Podcast

00:50 - Introducing Talon Bazille Ducheneaux

30:40 - The Impact of Place on Creative Process

44:31 - The Role of Music in Healing and Community Empowerment

48:20 - Reflections on Time: Past, Present, and Future

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Waterers

First People's Fund

Playing for Change Foundation

Cornerstone Theater Company

Guthrie Theater

Dahl Art Center

Pennsylvania Academy for the Fine Arts

Native American Music Awards

Links referenced in this episode:

https://www.bazille.info/about

Https://www.waterers.org

elevenwarrioararts.com

The salient focus of this podcast episode revolves around the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in reshaping community narratives through art. We engage in an enlightening dialogue with Moira Villiard, a multidisciplinary artist whose work prioritizes underrepresented stories and fosters healing through public art. Moira elucidates the significance of place in her creative process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community involvement in artistic endeavors. We explore how her projects, such as the Chief Buffalo Memorial, serve as vital educational tools that honor Indigenous histories while simultaneously engaging local communities. This conversation ultimately underscores our commitment to amplifying voices that drive meaningful change, thereby enriching the cultural landscape through collaborative storytelling.

Takeaways:

The Waterers Podcast serves as a platform that amplifies the voices involved in community-led change.

The episode highlights the transformative power of public art in fostering community awareness and identity.

Moira Villiard discusses the significance of place in her artistic practice and collaborative processes.

Engaging with community narratives is essential to creating meaningful public art projects that resonate with local histories.

Collaboration is emphasized as a vital aspect of the creative process, allowing for diverse perspectives to shape artistic outcomes.

The podcast underscores the necessity of supporting local artists and initiatives to create sustainable cultural impact.

Links referenced in this episode:

waterers.org

Artbymoira.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Waterers

Bush

USD

Zeitgeist

Ivy Vinyl

Eleven Warrior Arts

• POD for Good