A new statewide online platform has launched with the goal of connecting and promoting Alaska Native artists from every corner of the state. The Alaska Native Arts Directory, a project by the revitalized Alaska Native Arts Foundation, aims to create a comprehensive, free resource for artists working across a wide range of creative fields.
The directory went live last week, timed to coincide with the annual Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage, a major gathering for Indigenous communities. It already features around 200 artists, with ambitious plans for significant expansion.
Key Takeaways
- The Alaska Native Arts Foundation has launched a new free, statewide online directory for Alaska Native artists.
- The platform includes visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, and designers, covering both traditional and contemporary art forms.
- Initially featuring 200 artists, the foundation aims to list over 1,000 artists by next year.
- The launch marks a revival for the foundation, which ceased operations in 2016 due to funding issues.
- The project is supported by a broad coalition of funders, including the Rasmuson Foundation and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
A Central Hub for Indigenous Creativity
The newly launched Alaska Native Arts Directory is designed to be a central, comprehensive database for the state's diverse Indigenous artistic talent. Unlike more localized or commercially focused platforms, this directory offers a free listing service to any Alaska Native artist.
The scope is intentionally broad, celebrating the full spectrum of creative expression. It includes not only those working in visual arts like carving, beading, and painting, but also writers, musicians, fashion designers, and performing artists. This inclusive approach bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary practices.
"The Alaska Native Arts Directory celebrates the full spectrum of Alaska Native creativity, visual and written arts, performance, design, and traditional practices, reflecting the diversity and vitality of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures," said Gail Schubert, chair of the Alaska Native Arts Foundation, in a recent statement.
The foundation has set a clear growth target for the platform. While it launched with approximately 200 artist profiles, the goal is to expand this number to more than 1,000 artists by 2026. This would make it one of the most extensive resources of its kind in the state.
The Foundation's Remarkable Comeback
The launch of the directory represents a significant revival for the Alaska Native Arts Foundation. The nonprofit organization, originally founded in 2002, was a prominent force in the arts community for years, operating a gallery and an e-commerce website in Anchorage.
However, the foundation faced severe financial difficulties, leading it to shut down its primary operations in 2016 after losing state funding. For nearly a decade, its activities were largely dormant. This new initiative signals a return to its mission, backed by a renewed and diverse stream of support.
A History of Support
The Alaska Native Arts Foundation was established in 2002 to support and promote the work of Alaska Native artists. For 14 years, it provided a physical and online space for artists to sell their work and gain exposure before financial challenges forced it to close its public-facing operations in 2016.
This revitalization effort is made possible by a wide-ranging coalition of public and private partners. The list of supporters includes prominent organizations dedicated to Alaska's cultural and economic well-being.
- Rasmuson Foundation
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- The office of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski
- Alaska State Council on the Arts
- Municipality of Anchorage
This broad base of support highlights a renewed commitment from state and federal partners to invest in the Indigenous creative economy.
Building an Indigenous Creative Economy
Beyond simply listing artists, the directory is a foundational step in a larger economic strategy. The Alaska Native Arts Foundation has announced plans to hold the first-ever Alaska Native Arts Economic Summit next year. This event will bring together artists, policymakers, and business leaders to develop strategies for strengthening the Indigenous creative sector.
The goal is to create sustainable economic opportunities for artists, allowing them to thrive while preserving and evolving cultural traditions. The directory serves as a critical piece of infrastructure, making it easier for buyers, galleries, researchers, and collaborators to find and connect with artists across Alaska's vast geography.
From Utqiagvik to Ketchikan
The directory is designed to be statewide, connecting artists from the northernmost communities like Utqiagvik to those in the southeastern panhandle. This digital bridge helps overcome the immense geographical barriers that can isolate rural artists from larger markets.
Artists like Britt'Nee Brower of Utqiagvik exemplify the multidisciplinary talent the directory seeks to showcase. Brower is a carver, sewer, beader, fashion designer, and poet, whose work blends traditional skills with contemporary expression. By providing a platform for artists like her, the foundation hopes to foster greater visibility and economic independence.
A Modern Tool for Ancient Traditions
While some artist directories already exist in Alaska, the new platform from the Alaska Native Arts Foundation distinguishes itself through its scale and inclusivity. It is not limited to a specific region or discipline and is not primarily a sales platform like the Collective49 Marketplace, though it can facilitate those connections.
Its primary function is to serve as a comprehensive cultural and professional resource. For artists, it is a free tool for exposure. For the public, it is an educational gateway into the richness of Alaska Native art.
The directory's launch during the Alaska Federation of Natives convention was a strategic move to engage directly with the community it serves. As the platform grows, it has the potential to become an indispensable resource for anyone interested in Alaska Native culture, providing a direct link to the creators who are its lifeblood.
The renewed Alaska Native Arts Foundation, with its new digital platform and plans for an economic summit, is positioning itself not just as a supporter of the arts, but as a key driver in building a more resilient and prosperous future for Alaska's Indigenous creative professionals.