Discover the Power of Shared Spaces: Where Creativity, Community, and Purpose Converge
Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.
— Mary Lou CookThis quote encapsulates the dynamic and adventurous spirit of creativity, highlighting the importance of embracing experimentation and risk-taking in the creative process.
Google’s Deep Dive Podcast: Harmonizing Humanity: The TATANKA Model of Creative Cohabitation
Why Cohabitation is the Heart of TATANKA
At TATANKA, we hold a simple yet profound belief: true innovation and transformation aren’t just the results of working together—they’re born from living together. Our cohabitation model is not merely a logistical decision; it’s the beating heart of who we are and what we strive to achieve. By merging creative and residential spaces, we’ve created a living laboratory for collaboration, where ideas flow freely, connections deepen, and a shared sense of purpose fuels our work every day.
This intentional blending of life and creativity isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking our collective potential. In this unique environment, we nurture our core values, build a culture of trust and belonging, and create the conditions for extraordinary breakthroughs. Cohabitation isn’t a means to an end—it’s the spark that drives us forward, amplifying our mission and accelerating the change we aim to see in the world.
Here’s a closer look at how cohabitation empowers TATANKA to not only succeed and thrive but to resonate deeply with its vision of a better, more connected future. Together, we’re proving that living and creating as one can lead to extraordinary possibilities.
FFostering Creative Synergy
Creativity thrives in an environment where inspiration is never far away. At TATANKA, our cohabitation model ensures that this is a constant reality. The lines between work and life are intentionally blurred, creating a space where innovation happens organically. It’s not just about formal meetings or structured brainstorming sessions — it’s about the everyday moments that spark brilliance. Whether it’s a casual conversation over a cup of coffee, a spontaneous discussion about a project, or an impromptu jam session, these interactions form the bedrock of our creativity. This approach allows us to remain fluid and flexible, enabling collaboration that feels natural rather than forced.
The beauty of living and working in the same space lies in the endless opportunities for inspiration. With our team members always nearby, we are constantly exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking. This proximity fuels creative synergy, as each interaction becomes an opportunity to expand and refine our collective vision. The setting fosters a sense of community that is crucial for creativity — a place where vulnerability is encouraged, and no idea is too small to be explored. The constant exchange of energy within our shared spaces leads to a synergy that goes beyond individual contributions, resulting in projects that are richer and more multifaceted.
At TATANKA, this seamless blending of personal and professional lives allows us to approach our work with a unique sense of freedom and authenticity. It’s here that our boldest, most innovative ideas take shape, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Without the limitations of traditional workspaces, we are free to explore and experiment, knowing that our team is right there, ready to support and challenge each other. This constant exchange and cross-pollination of ideas not only accelerates our creative processes but also enriches our projects, making them deeply meaningful and reflective of the diverse talents and perspectives within our community.
Modeling Inclusion and Unity
The physical space we inhabit at TATANKA is much more than just a place to live and work — it is a living representation of our values. By sharing our daily lives in a single, unified environment, we demonstrate the power of inclusion, diversity, and unity in action. Our cohabitation model goes beyond theoretical concepts of equity and equality — it makes them tangible. In this space, everyone’s voice is valued, and every background, experience, and perspective is celebrated. It’s not enough for us to simply talk about inclusion; we actively create it in every interaction, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
Inclusion at TATANKA is about more than just a diversity of backgrounds; it’s about creating an environment where these differences can coexist harmoniously and productively. By living together, we learn to navigate the complexities of different viewpoints, lifestyles, and cultural norms. This creates a unique opportunity for personal growth and community development. We approach conflict not as a hurdle to be avoided, but as a chance for growth and deeper understanding. The shared space allows us to constantly refine and redefine what it means to be inclusive, offering a rich, dynamic context for collaboration and empathy.
Unity is the natural byproduct of this shared living experience. When we live and work together, we forge deeper connections that transcend professional relationships. The bonds we build extend beyond the projects we create together; they become foundational to the way we function as a community. Through shared meals, collaborative work, and the support we offer each other, we foster a sense of belonging that strengthens our ability to act collectively. By embodying the values of unity and inclusion in the very space we occupy, we are creating a model that others can learn from and implement in their own communities.
Accelerating Project Development
At TATANKA, we’ve created an environment where collaboration isn’t just encouraged — it’s a seamless, natural part of the daily routine. The barriers that often slow down creative and operational processes in traditional work settings are virtually nonexistent here. When everyone is in the same space, ideas can be exchanged freely, and decisions can be made on the spot. This eliminates the lag time that often accompanies remote collaborations or fragmented working environments. Whether we’re in the middle of a recording session, brainstorming a new initiative, or troubleshooting a challenge, the proximity of our team ensures that progress is never delayed.
Our cohabitation model promotes a level of fluidity that accelerates project development. The ability to quickly pivot, adjust, or refine a project without the need for time-consuming meetings or waiting for input from remote collaborators means that creative momentum is never lost. This speed is particularly valuable in industries like ours, where timing is often crucial to the success of a project. Whether we’re testing new ideas, gathering feedback, or experimenting with different approaches, our environment ensures that every moment is used effectively, maximizing productivity and creative output.
The sense of immediacy that comes with shared living extends beyond just creative sessions; it enhances our operational processes as well. The space is designed to facilitate collaboration at every level, from the logistics of managing resources to the coordination of large-scale projects. Whether it’s a quick check-in on the status of a task or a spontaneous team huddle to tackle an obstacle, the ease of access to one another makes collaboration effortless. By eliminating physical distance and fostering an atmosphere of continuous communication, we can move forward with projects faster, more efficiently, and with a greater sense of collective purpose.
Creating a Safe Haven for Vulnerable Voices
At TATANKA, we recognize that creative work is deeply personal, and that for many, it’s inextricably linked to their identity, experiences, and history. For marginalized voices, this process can be even more challenging, as the world often marginalizes their stories and experiences. Our cohabitation model serves as a sanctuary where these voices are not just heard — they are uplifted and empowered. It’s a place where individuals can find safety and support, reclaiming their narratives and expressing themselves without fear of judgment or exclusion.
In this space, healing and creation are intertwined. By providing a supportive environment, TATANKA allows residents to process their pasts, heal from trauma, and transform their experiences into art. This process is facilitated by the community around them, who offers empathy, understanding, and solidarity. Whether it’s through sharing stories, offering a listening ear, or simply being present, the residents of TATANKA actively contribute to the healing and empowerment of one another. In doing so, we create a space where individuals not only heal but also grow stronger and more confident in their ability to create meaningful, impactful work.
The importance of this sanctuary extends beyond individual healing — it also enables collective growth. When marginalized voices are given the opportunity to thrive, they contribute new perspectives and ideas that enrich the work we do at TATANKA. These voices often carry insights and experiences that are absent from mainstream discourse, offering a richness of understanding that enhances our creative output. By nurturing these voices, we not only create a space for personal empowerment but also ensure that our work remains inclusive, diverse, and representative of the world in all its complexity.
Promoting Environmental and Economic Sustainability
One of the core tenets of our cohabitation model is sustainability. By sharing living and working spaces, we drastically reduce our environmental footprint. Rather than each individual maintaining separate households or office spaces, we pool resources and consolidate our efforts. This reduces the consumption of energy and resources, limits waste, and minimizes our overall environmental impact. At TATANKA, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a fundamental part of our operations, guiding both our day-to-day decisions and our long-term strategy.
In addition to environmental sustainability, our model also promotes economic sustainability. By sharing resources, we lower costs and make our budget go further. This financial efficiency allows us to allocate more funds toward our mission and vision, ensuring that our impact remains robust and far-reaching. The money we save through collective living and resource pooling isn’t simply funneled into administrative costs; it’s reinvested into the community, the projects we support, and the infrastructure that sustains our work. This model of shared living creates a more sustainable financial ecosystem that benefits both the individuals within TATANKA and the broader community we serve.
Living sustainably is also about setting an example for others. We believe that the choices we make today will shape the future, and by modeling eco-conscious practices in our everyday lives, we hope to inspire others to adopt similar practices. Whether it’s reducing our consumption of single-use plastics, supporting local and sustainable businesses, or finding creative ways to repurpose materials, TATANKA demonstrates that living sustainably is both achievable and necessary. By integrating sustainability into our community, we are not only enhancing our own practices but also contributing to a larger movement that prioritizes the health of our planet for generations to come.
Enhancing Cultural Exchange
TATANKA is a place where cultures converge, creating an environment ripe for mutual exchange and learning. Every meal shared, every conversation had, and every project undertaken is an opportunity for cultural exchange. Our cohabitation model fosters a vibrant and dynamic environment where diverse traditions, languages, and worldviews are not only welcomed but actively celebrated. The richness of these cultural exchanges informs and inspires our work, ensuring that the projects we create are not only innovative but deeply rooted in authenticity and meaning.
The blending of cultures within TATANKA is a constant source of inspiration. Living in such close proximity to people from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own unique perspectives and traditions, enriches our projects in profound ways. From music to storytelling, visual art to social advocacy, the cultural interplay within our community serves as a wellspring of creative energy. It ensures that our work reflects the multifaceted world we live in, drawing on a wealth of experiences and insights that might otherwise remain untapped.
By fostering an environment where cultural exchange is not only encouraged but woven into the fabric of everyday life, TATANKA sets itself apart as a model for global collaboration. This exchange is not a passive act; it’s an active process that shapes and transforms the work we do. Through it, we gain new understandings, form lasting relationships, and develop projects that speak to a wider audience. In this way, cultural exchange at TATANKA is not just about diversity for its own sake, but about creating work that is richer, more nuanced, and more impactful.
Empowering Residents as Leaders
At TATANKA, leadership is not a position — it’s a practice that’s woven into the fabric of our community. Living together creates an environment where leadership isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s shared by everyone. Each resident has the opportunity to step into roles of responsibility, whether that’s through contributing to community decisions, offering guidance to newer members, or initiating new projects. This collective approach to leadership nurtures individual growth while ensuring that our values — inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration — are reflected in everything we do.
Our cohabitation model fosters a deep sense of ownership and accountability. When residents feel empowered to contribute their ideas and take initiative, they become active participants in shaping the trajectory of TATANKA. Through mentorship programs, collaborative decision-making processes, and shared leadership responsibilities, each individual has the chance to develop valuable leadership skills. These experiences not only benefit TATANKA as a community but also equip residents with the tools to become leaders in their own right, whether within our community or in the wider world. This focus on leadership development creates an environment where everyone is motivated to step up, ensuring that TATANKA continues to evolve and thrive with each passing day.
Strengthening External Partnerships
Our cohabitation model is more than an internal framework — it’s a powerful tool for forging and strengthening external partnerships. By living out our values of unity, collaboration, and inclusivity, we demonstrate to potential partners the authenticity of our mission and the tangible impact of our work. When record labels, media platforms, investors, and other collaborators see the seamless integration of these values within our daily lives, they are not just interested — they are eager to support and amplify our efforts.
The uniqueness of our approach resonates deeply with partners who are aligned with our goals of social change and cultural innovation. They recognize that our success isn’t just about creative output; it’s about fostering an environment that nurtures growth, supports diverse voices, and prioritizes long-term, sustainable impact. By showcasing this in every aspect of our cohabitation model, we build trust and credibility with external partners, making them more inclined to invest in and champion our projects. The authenticity of TATANKA’s approach to collaboration ensures that our relationships with external partners are based on mutual respect and shared purpose, resulting in more fruitful, impactful, and enduring partnerships.
Enhancing Mental Well-being and Focus
The cohabitation model at TATANKA is designed to nurture not just creativity, but also mental well-being and focus. By aligning our living and working spaces, we eliminate many of the stresses and distractions that can impede both personal well-being and professional productivity. Residents are able to move fluidly between their personal lives and creative work, reducing the strain that comes from maintaining separate spaces for each.
The supportive community environment ensures that residents are never isolated, providing constant opportunities for connection and support. This sense of belonging creates a safe space where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing their challenges, and seeking help when needed. With a network of people who genuinely care about their well-being, residents are more likely to thrive mentally and emotionally. Moreover, the harmonious balance between personal and professional life means that distractions are minimized, allowing for greater focus and creativity. Whether it’s through structured routines or spontaneous moments of respite, TATANKA’s environment fosters a sense of balance that enhances both mental health and professional output.
This holistic approach ensures that our community remains not only productive but also grounded. By supporting each resident’s mental well-being, we create a more focused, resilient team that is capable of tackling even the most ambitious projects with clarity and purpose.
Inspiring the World
TATANKA’s cohabitation model is more than just a practical solution — it’s a bold statement about what’s possible when humanity comes together with purpose and intention. By demonstrating that diverse individuals can live, work, and thrive together in a supportive, collaborative environment, we’re reshaping cultural and societal norms. Our community shows that when people of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences unite around a common goal, extraordinary things can happen.
This model serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to rethink traditional approaches to work, creativity, and community. We show that it’s not only possible to foster collaboration and inclusivity on a large scale — it’s essential for the future of both art and social progress. TATANKA isn’t just an experiment in cohabitation; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of shared humanity. Through our art and advocacy, we are proving that when we come together with a shared vision, we can challenge the status quo and create lasting, positive change. The way we live and work together at TATANKA demonstrates to the world that it is possible to break down barriers, build deeper connections, and move forward with a sense of collective purpose.
At TATANKA, cohabitation isn’t merely a strategy—it’s our foundation, our guiding principle, and our superpower. It embodies the belief that true innovation and progress emerge not just from working together but from living together in shared purpose. By bringing our diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives into the same space, we cultivate a dynamic environment where ideas flourish, creativity knows no bounds, and barriers between professional and personal connections dissolve.
This is more than building projects; we’re building a movement—a living, breathing community that models the values we hope to see in the world: inclusivity, collaboration, sustainability, and a deep respect for the transformative power of human connection. Together, we’re creating not just art, music, or initiatives but a way of life that shows how intentional cohabitation can amplify our shared goals and dreams.
We invite you to join us—not just as a supporter, but as a believer in the power of living our values to spark real, lasting change. Together, we can prove that when creativity, collaboration, and community converge, the possibilities are limitless. Let’s show the world that cohabitation, when embraced with purpose, can be the catalyst for a brighter, more connected future.
Echoes of the Sacred Song: A Journey of Belonging
When Kinta Ashling first stepped through the wooden gates of TATANKA, it felt like returning to a place she had always known but had forgotten in the haze of the world’s noise. The air was thick with the scent of pine, sweetgrass, and the earth itself, grounding her in ways she hadn’t realized she’d missed. As she walked toward the facility, the rhythmic pulse of drums echoed in the distance, inviting her deeper into the sanctuary that had become a home for so many. The space, a vibrant blend of ancestral energy and modern creativity, hummed with an undeniable sense of belonging. This was where she was meant to be, and she could feel it in the marrow of her bones.
Kinta was not just a member of the Orchestra Americana; she was part of something far larger than any stage or performance. Her tribe, the Oglala Lakota, had been invited to live and work alongside various other Indigenous nations, each bringing their own stories, music, and wisdom. Here, the convergence of cultures wasn’t just celebrated—it was woven into the very fabric of their collective purpose. The melodies they played resonated with ancient rhythms, while the electric hum of modern instruments intertwined with the sacred chants passed down through generations. Kinta’s heart swelled with pride as her flute’s voice joined the orchestra, a sound both timeless and revolutionary.
In the evenings, after the music had faded and the last notes of the orchestra lingered in the twilight, the tribe gathered around the fire. It was there, under the vast sky, that Kinta realized how profound her connection to TATANKA truly was. This was more than a place of collaboration—it was a home that nurtured the spirit. With each passing day, her connection to her people grew stronger, and her sense of family expanded beyond bloodlines to encompass everyone in the community. They shared meals, dreams, and stories, their voices rising together in harmony, like a symphony composed by the earth itself.
The communal aspect of life at TATANKA was different from anything Kinta had ever known. In the mornings, she and her fellow housemates would work side by side—building, creating, and sustaining the space that nurtured their collective dreams. They did not live separately in isolation, but as a tribe of collaborators, each member’s voice and talent valued equally. The simplicity of shared living, where everything from the kitchen to the studio felt like an extension of the same sacred space, allowed Kinta to feel that she was never alone. It was in the laughter of her companions, the comforting silence of a shared meal, and the constant hum of creativity that she understood the true power of community.
But what struck Kinta the most was the way TATANKA’s spirit encouraged vulnerability. She could express herself in ways she had never felt safe doing before—through music, through dance, through words. It was a space that allowed her to take risks, to fail, and to rise again. The barriers she once felt between herself and the world began to crumble as she saw others embrace their authentic selves in the same way. The freedom to be vulnerable was a gift, and it was this gift that allowed Kinta’s artistry to flourish in ways she had never imagined.
One afternoon, Kinta stood on the balcony of her shared home, overlooking the sprawling landscape that stretched out beneath the rising sun. Her flute, resting against her lips, called out to the world around her. It was a song that carried the weight of centuries, a song that reflected the deep well of ancestral wisdom she had inherited. As the notes flew from her fingers, her tribe gathered around her, their voices joining in the chorus, reverberating across the land. They were no longer separate voices in the wind but a unified force that spoke of unity, strength, and the shared experience of survival.
In that moment, Kinta knew she was no longer just a member of TATANKA. She was a living thread in the tapestry of her people’s legacy. The music, the community, and the sense of home had fused together, creating something greater than herself—something sacred, something eternal. The feeling of belonging she had longed for had found its place in this space, a space that not only accepted her but celebrated her existence in its entirety.
As days turned into weeks, Kinta’s connection to her people, to TATANKA, and to the world around her deepened. The beauty of this shared existence—the blend of tradition and innovation, the seamless intersection of cultures and dreams—was something that had always existed within her, but TATANKA had helped her uncover it. It was as if the very land upon which the facility stood had pulled the music from her soul, and in return, the space had given her a sense of peace she had never known. TATANKA wasn’t just a place—it was a way of being, a way of existing in harmony with both the past and the future.
Kinta had never felt more alive than she did within this sacred environment. It wasn’t just the music that had transformed her; it was the people, the connections, and the love they shared as a tribe. Every note played, every conversation shared, and every moment of vulnerability was a testament to the profound bonds of family that had been formed here. TATANKA had become her home, and the people within it had become her family. In this space, she had found not just a place to create but a place to belong.
As she stood once again by the fire that evening, her flute held tenderly in her hands, Kinta realized that the greatest gift of TATANKA wasn’t the music, the opportunities, or even the sense of purpose—it was the love. Love for the earth, love for her people, and love for herself. She had found peace in the deepest sense, a peace that would echo through her music for generations to come. The song that was her life would continue, not in isolation, but in the collective heartbeat of those who had come to call TATANKA home.
Takeaway
Kinta’s story reminds us that true belonging comes from the unity we find in the spaces and communities we build. It’s not enough to simply exist in the same place as others; what matters is the shared sense of purpose, the support that allows vulnerability, and the love that emerges when individuals are encouraged to bring their full selves to the table. TATANKA exemplifies the power of collective creativity and connection—where traditions meet innovation, and where the most profound forms of expression emerge from a place of familial love and trust.
The story of Kinta teaches that when we find a community that nurtures us holistically—one that honors our identities, amplifies our voices, and encourages collaboration—we are free to create with authenticity and purpose. In such a space, we don’t just live; we thrive. It is through these deep and meaningful connections that we discover who we truly are and what we can offer to the world, together.
