That money covers 75% of the $28 million the project needs to start construction. More than 150 donors gave during the leadership phase of the campaign. The association announced the public fundraising phase today and plans to break ground in summer 2027.
The institute will teach traditional Western arts and ranching traditions through hands-on instruction, educational programming and time with master artists and artisans. Programs will cover leatherwork, metalworking, painting, sculpture, songwriting and poetry. The goal is to pass skills and cultural knowledge from accomplished masters to future generations.
For people in Lubbock, this means a new place at the National Ranching Heritage Center to actually learn a craft. Students, visitors and the public all get access. The gap left to close is $6 million, and now everyone else gets a shot at the last quarter.