Plans for a new arts center and powwow venue in Lac du Flambeau are moving forward.
The Waaswaaganing Living Arts and Culture Center has hired an architecture firm to finalize designs for the new Indian Bowl performance area.
As Project Director Tom Gallaher explains, the old Indian Bowl was an amphitheater that had to be torn down last year due to structural problems.
“Pretty soon the concrete seating will also have to be demolished," he explained. "And what will replace it will be an even nicer Indian Bowl, but of course it’s important that it’s on the very same site as the Indian Bowl that’s been going on since 1951.”
The project has raised about 1 million dollars, about a quarter of the amount needed to build both the new Indian Bowl and the neighboring cultural center.
Organizers hope it will be a draw for tourists and cultural activities for the entire region.
Gallaher says the project will be completed in phases.
“Phase 1 will be the actual Indian Bowl itself," he said. "We felt that was important to get that built so we could go ahead and start having powwows and other performances at the Indian Bowl.”
Gallaher says the final design will likely incorporate green building elements.
Groundbreaking for the Indian Bowl is scheduled for August, with a grand opening slated for about a year from now.
