 The Alaska State Council on the Arts, a continuing partnership between the public and private sectors, champions an enriched atmosphere for lifelong participation in Alaska's rich artistic diversity. For students, artists and all Alaskans, the Council seeks to:
- Advocate arts programs that reflect and sustain the cultural identities of the people of Alaska.
- Promote the perpetuation and recognition of Alaska Native Arts.
- Demonstrate that the arts are central to the vitality of our communities and our citizens.
- Provide informational and educational services.
- Facilitate the development of Alaska's cultural resources.
- Match resources with needs.
About the Council and What We Do:
The eleven member govering board is a volunteer body appointed by the Governor to guide the development of the arts in Alaska. Council members set policy and serve on panels that review arts programs grants. The Council's professional staff provides technical assistance and services to communities, artist, and Arts organizations througout Alaska. The Council supports a number of programs to advance the arts in Alaska. These include visual and performing arts, literature, an Arts in Education Program, a Native Arts Program, ~ 1% for Arts, the Silver Hand Program, the Governor's Arts Awards, and Grant Programs for Individual Artists and Arts Organizations. ASCA is also home to the contemporary arts bank. Native Arts Program
The Arts Council strongly supports and encourages the perpetuation and recomgnition of Alaska Native Arts. A Native Arts Advisory Panel reviews Native Arts grants and makes funding recommendations to the Council. The Native Arts Program sponsors a statewide Culture Center and Museums Consortium (LINK to address listing). The group meets to discuss ongoing projects, programs and events affecting the Consortium constituency.
The Silver Hand Program
The Silver Hand Program, establishing in 1961 and managed by the Alaska State Council on the Arts since 1998, has stood the test of time as an authenticated program for Traditional Alaska Native crafts and the artisans who produce these unique cultural products. Traditional Alaska Native art forms, "folk art" unique to the state of Alaska and to the indigenous cultural groups that reside here, haven been in the past and are currently of tremendous interest to the state's burgeoning tourist economy. A steady and increasing demand for Native crafts has brought with it a proportionate increase in the sale of fraudulent reproductions.
 The Silver Hand authentication program combats a pattern of cultural misrepresentation and misappropriation. The orginal intent for identfying Alaska Native goods hasexpanded beyond simple consumer protection to include improving the economic position of Alaska Native Artists. The Silver Hand Program has an authentication system designed to protect the consumer. The Silver Hand label provides a guarantee an item has been handcrafted exclusively by an Alaskan Native, and the artwork or craft consists in whole or significant part of natural materials.
An individual is required by state law (3 AAC 58.020) to verify criteria in order to acquire a Silver hand Permit. These criteria include documentation proving that an artisan has no less 1/4 Alaska Native blood quantum; is a tribal or Native Corporation member; resides in the state of Alaska; and is producing items for sale that are made primarily of naturaly materials. Eligible artists are assigned a permit number, supplied annually with a total of 150 free tags and stickers, provided training in marketing and offered additional opportunities. The program is free of charge. For more information on the Silver Hand Program please contact the Alaska State Council on the Arts.
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