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Silver Hand Permit Program (Alaska)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF STATE ARTS

Foundation Biennial Grants for Native AmericansGrants for Arts
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Silver Hand Permit Program

Administering Agency: Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA)

Geographic Scope: Alaska only

Status: Active authentication and artist support program

Purpose: Authentication system helping Alaska Native artists promote their work and enabling consumers to identify genuine Alaska Native products

Focus Areas:

  • Authentication of original Alaska Native handmade artwork

  • Artist promotion and marketing

  • Consumer education about authentic Alaska Native arts

    • What Can Be Tagged:

  • Original works only (not reproductions or manufactured items)

  • Contemporary and traditional artworks

  • Must be handmade in Alaska by an Alaska Native artist

    • Eligibility:

  • Alaska Native artists (traditional practitioners, contemporary artists, and emerging artists)

  • Must create original handmade works

    • Program Details:

  • Permit Validity: Two years

  • Current Enrollment: Approximately 2,500 artists registered

  • Tags Provided: Distinctive Silver Hand tags provided to label works for sale

  • Documentation: Artists encouraged to document unique patterns and designs

  • Legal Protection: Protected under Alaska trademark statute

    • Benefits:

  • Simple, cost-effective way to distinguish work from mass-produced merchandise

  • Distinctive Silver Hand tags indicate handmade items

  • Enhanced market access and consumer recognition

  • Educational value for tourists and retailers

    • Recent Trends:

  • Upswing in new and returning applicants after 2018-2020 lull

  • Growing participation among traditional and contemporary practitioners

    • Contact Information:

  • Alaska State Council on the Arts

  • ASCA Indigenous Arts & Culture Program Director: Patti Oksoktaruk Lillie, Inupiaq

  • Website: nasaa-arts.org/alaska-native-arts-and-culture-programs/

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    • Submission: Artists apply to ASCA for Silver Hand permits
    • Permit Duration: Valid for two years
    • Renewal: Permits must be renewed after two-year period

    Permit Benefits

    • Issuance of distinctive Silver Hand tags for labeling works
    • Artist registry enrollment
    • Access to artist support services
    • Documentation opportunities for patterns and designs

    Note: Specific application procedures and deadlines available through Alaska State Council on the Arts.

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    native-americansarts

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