Program open to students studying Alaska Native art practices
August 10, 2018
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) has launched a new program to offer Alaska Native artists’ residencies, which will include dedicated work areas, access to archives and collections and monetary support.
The goal is to provide artists with a substantial amount of independent studio time to delve into their practice and to avail themselves of professional development opportunities.
“The program is part of our effort to perpetuate Alaska Native art practices and to provide job training for our young people,” said SHI President Rosita Worl. “Our vision is to eventually expand to provide more educational space for Native arts.”
Through the program, SHI will offer a total of two months of residencies at the Walter Soboleff Building artist-residence studio. Artists will receive stipends for their time, funds for materials and supplies and rental cars.
Although it is not a teaching position, artists will be required to offer one public workshop or demonstration at SHI and participate in an assessment of the residency program.
“This is an opportunity for artists to make their own work while engaging with the arts education community,” Worl said.
Applicants whose work engages with cultural traditions through materials, techniques and subject matter will be encouraged to apply. More information on the application process coming soon.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. SHI also conducts social scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.
CONTACT: Kathy Dye, SHI Media and Publications Specialist, kathy.dye@sealaska.com or 907.321-4636.
Caption: Tlingit artist Alison Marks carving in the institute’s Delores Churchill Artist-in-Residence Studio, which will be made available to applicants.
For a high resolution image, contact kathy.dye@sealaska.com.
