The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) presented a unique opportunity in 2009 for Alaska Native and American Indian artists to showcase their talent and heritage on a national stage. The NRCS launched the American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month Poster Contest, a competition designed to select a single, impactful piece of artwork to represent and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Alaska Natives and American Indians. The grand prize for the selected artist was a monetary award of $2,000, coupled with the prestigious honor of having their artwork reproduced into a poster that would be distributed nationwide.
This Art contest for Alaska Native artists pays $2,000 to winner aimed to use art as a powerful medium to share the history, traditions, and contemporary experiences of Alaska Natives, bringing their stories to a wider audience. The contest served as the kickoff event for the 2009 American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, an annual observance held in November to recognize the significant contributions of these communities to the United States.
The selection of Alaska as the host region for the 2009 contest was significant. Alaska possesses a vibrant and diverse Native population, with a multitude of distinct cultures, languages, and artistic traditions. By focusing on Alaska Native artists, the NRCS sought to highlight the unique relationship these communities have with the land, their deep-rooted connection to the natural world, and their enduring cultural heritage.
The NRCS actively encouraged Tribal organizations and Alaska Native corporations to disseminate information about the contest to their shareholder artists. This outreach effort aimed to ensure that a wide range of artistic voices and perspectives were represented in the competition. The theme for the 2009 Art contest for Alaska Native artists pays $2,000 to winner was "Our Land, Our Animals, Our People: We Are One." This theme served as a guiding principle for artists, encouraging them to explore the interconnectedness between the land, the animals that inhabit it, and the people who depend on it for their sustenance and cultural identity. The theme emphasized the holistic worldview prevalent in many Alaska Native cultures, where humans are seen as an integral part of the natural ecosystem.
The contest guidelines outlined specific requirements for submissions. Only artists who were of Alaska Native or American Indian descent were eligible to participate. This criterion ensured that the artwork submitted authentically represented the cultural perspectives and experiences of these communities.
Prior to submitting their artwork, artists were required to notify Molly Voeller at the NRCS by June 30, 2009, indicating their intent to participate. This notification allowed the NRCS to anticipate the number of submissions and plan accordingly.
The contest rules stipulated that each artist could submit only one original piece of artwork. For two-dimensional pieces, the specified dimensions were 18 inches by 24 inches. For three-dimensional works, the size constraints were a minimum of 6 inches and a maximum of 3 feet in any dimension. Importantly, all artwork submitted had to be ready for reproduction or professional photography. This requirement ensured that the winning artwork could be easily translated into a poster format suitable for nationwide distribution.
In addition to the artwork itself, artists were required to submit a short story or description, not exceeding 200 words, that provided context and meaning to their creation. This narrative component allowed artists to articulate the inspiration behind their work, explain the cultural significance of the symbols and imagery used, and convey the message they hoped to communicate through their art.
The theme of the Art contest for Alaska Native artists pays $2,000 to winner, "Our Land, Our Animals, Our People: We Are One," was central to the judging criteria. Artwork was evaluated based on how effectively it reflected this theme, demonstrating an understanding of the interconnectedness between the environment, wildlife, and human communities. Submissions had to reflect a respect for the land, an appreciation for the animal kingdom, and a celebration of Alaska Native cultures.
All artwork had to be delivered to Molly Voeller at the NRCS State Office in Palmer, Alaska, by July 1, 2009. The guidelines explicitly stated that any shipping damages incurred during transit were the responsibility of the artist. This caveat underscored the importance of careful packaging and handling to ensure that artwork arrived in pristine condition.
The NRCS committed to purchasing the winning artwork from the artist for the sum of $2,000. This purchase agreement recognized the value of the artist’s creative labor and ensured that they were fairly compensated for their contribution. The NRCS and the selected artist entered into a formal contractual agreement outlining the terms of the purchase, including the transfer of rights and responsibilities between the two parties.
The NRCS retained the right to reproduce and distribute copies of the winning artwork at its discretion. This provision allowed the NRCS to effectively utilize the artwork to promote American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, raise awareness about the contributions of these communities, and further its own mission of natural resource conservation. The poster created from the winning artwork became a valuable educational tool, distributed to schools, libraries, government agencies, and other organizations across the country.
The NRCS provided a link to a website showcasing posters of previous winning artwork. This resource allowed prospective applicants to gain a better understanding of the types of artwork that had been successful in past competitions, providing inspiration and guidance as they developed their own submissions. The examples of previous winning posters offered insights into the diverse range of artistic styles, cultural themes, and visual narratives that had resonated with the judges in previous years.
The NRCS hoped that Alaska Native artists would embrace this opportunity to share their heritage, showcase their artistic talents, and contribute to a greater understanding of their cultures. The contest provided a platform for artists to express their perspectives on the environment, their relationship with animals, and their unique cultural identities. The Art contest for Alaska Native artists pays $2,000 to winner was a chance to connect with a national audience.
For any questions regarding the contest, interested parties were encouraged to contact Molly Voeller at the NRCS. This point of contact ensured that artists had access to reliable information and could receive clarification on any aspects of the contest guidelines or submission process.