Planning for Sustainability: Nangucuilnguq Arts and Crafts Center Business Plan

Project Date: 2001
Project Manager: Thea Agnew Bemben
Client: City of Togiak
Location: Togiak

Named after a local elder, Nangucuilnguq is a Yup'ik word meaning "never runs out." Constructed with funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Nangucuilnguq Arts and Crafts Center in Togiak operates programs that assure that traditional skills, language and practices are passed down to future generations, and provides a safe and healthy place for the community. Run by the City of Togiak, the center hosts events as diverse as family social nights, traditional skills workshops, and sales of Native arts and crafts. The center is funded primarily through grants, along with art sales and village tours.

The City of Togiak hired Agnew::Beck to draft a comprehensive business plan for the center, emphasizing the role of the center in the community and strategies for making it sustainable. The plan addressed the full scope of issues associated with running a multi-purpose cultural and wellness center in a remote location, from mission to financing and implementation. Agnew::Beck also drafted several other documents related to the center, including promotional materials and a handbook for village tour guides.

The center represents 140 local artists through its gift shop and hosts a village tour during summer months teaching guests from area fishing lodges about local traditions.