by Mikayla Mitchell (Deisheetaan Tlingit), Intern
Many Alaska Native people use art to connect with traditions and also make ends meet financially. In this way, we care for ourselves and immediate family members. But Alaska Native art is obviously part of something much bigger, and it has the capacity for community care when we look a little closer. There are several ways to approach community care through art. Maybe this short blog will give you some inspiration for your next project!
Collaboration
One way to build a system of care is through collaboration with other artists. By doing this you can increase the audience reach of everyone involved, share knowledge about different mediums and techniques, and build your artist community. Don’t know where to start? Use the Alaska Native Artist Directory and filter by medium or community to find someone new! Don’t be afraid to reach out to others. Community is built through these types of interactions.
Sites of Care
Alaska Native art has a rich history of encouraging people to come together in the name of art and community care. Any time art would occur, whether it be a dance group practice or monumental art installation, there is an aspect of outreach—a desire for people to engage with the art and the people around it. Some art forms require a community working together, such as the creation of monumental totem poles or the production of skin boats. That art then becomes the catalyst for people to give and receive care in other ways. This includes discovering kinship relations, speaking Indigenous languages, sharing food, and providing cultural experiences for youth. So, then the question becomes, “What art can I make to provide or support a site of care?”
It’s not always easy work, but participating in community in this way lightens the burden for everyone, and sometimes it is community participation itself that makes working in the art field so magical.
Virtual Spaces
Collaboration and creating sites of care are also possible virtually. In a post-pandemic world, we are forging new ways to connect to one another through web-based gatherings. This is a beneficial option for those who rely on the internet for accessibility to culture and community. Here, I am thinking about virtual classes, online crafting circles and book clubs, and even fundraisers and auctions for local causes. These on-line platforms are a great way to have a much further reach in audience and find friends with common interests. Maybe consider starting an event and inviting other artists across the state from the directory!
Everyone has a role to play in community, and for many artists, it is to get people to gather and start conversations through the beauty we see in crafting our work. I hope you find inspiration in this blog. Happy crafting!