NEWS FOR ALASKA NATIVE ARTISTS

Silver Hand Program Update

The Silver Hand Program administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) has undergone some revisions. In the 2007-2008 legislative session, Senators Stevens (Kodiak) and Hoffman (Bethel) introduced Senate Bill 97 (SB97). SB97 passed both the Alaska State Senate and House. It was transmitted to the Governor and signed into Law on April 10, 2008. The changes became effective July 9, 2008.

One of the most significant change to the program is that the blood quantum requirement has been removed. Prior law required an artist to be 1/4 Indian, Aleut or Eskimo blood to be eligible to participate in the Silver Hand Program. This has been removed and eligibility to participate in the program is based being a citizen of the State of Alaska (eligible for a PFD), and a member of an Alaska Native tribal government. Only Alaska Native artists are eligible under the program. Another significant change is that contemporary artists are now eligible.

A number of other changes were made. Please contact the Alaska State Council on the Arts, Silver Hand program for additional information. Their website is located at: http://www.eed.state.ak.us/aksca/native.htm

Updated 24 October 2008