Kodiak Island Traditional Arts (KITA) Project - Alutiiq artists suffer from a depressed local arts economy, with 0% of surveyed artists earning a living wage through art production, and only one artist expressing high satisfaction with the sales potential in the Kodiak Archipelago, AK. Much of the sales of art occur in limited markets that demand lower prices. Flourishing artistic traditions are essential to cultural thrival, yet these traditions cannot be sustained when artists struggle to make a meaningful income from their work. A survey of local artists and supporters conducted in July 2025 which received 47 responses raised key concerns over the presence of "Native-inspired" art by non-Native artists, as well as the sale of counterfeit/fraudulent Native art made overseas or by non-Native artists. Proposed solutions presented in the survey inform the three objectives in this project. The Alutiiq Heritage Foundation (DBA-Alutiiq Museum or Alutiiq Museum and Archeological Repository), one of just two nationally-accredited Native American-led museums, provides a trusted resource to artists and a strong network of supportive stakeholders. This project, Kodiak Island Traditional Arts or KITA, meaning “Let’s Go” in Alutiiq, will enhance the Native arts economy to allow more Native artists to make meaningful income to support their families. Our Work Plan includes three core objectives. First, Native artists will receive professional development to enhance income generation through partnerships with KANA, Kodiak Arts Council, Discover Kodiak, and Kodiak College. Second, Native artists along with the general public will have an increased awareness of federal and State laws and regulations concerning materials and authentication of Native arts that includes more effective labeling of authentic Alutiiq art and public service announcements on the scale of the problem and how to be an informed consumer. Third, the tourism industry will improve through an increased awareness and sales for Alaska Native Artists and culture bearers. This will be accomplished through a partnership with Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA), sponsor of the Native Welcome Center where staff will train to gain experience in arts retail and tourism. A Native Tourism working group will form to support the development of a Native-owned tourism business directory and Native Tourism Plan with partnership from Discover Kodiak.
