TAHLEQUAH – Cherokee Nation is currently accepting bids for authentic Cherokee art to display within several locations throughout the Cherokee Nation Reservation. This includes Cherokee Nation, Cherokee Nation Businesses and Cherokee Nation Entertainment properties.
This is the third public bid made possible by the Cherokee Artist Recovery Act of 2022, which is the largest single investment in the Cherokee art community in history. The deadline for phase three bids is 5 p.m., May 16.
The act was authored by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner to give relief to Cherokee artists after the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted their income and livelihood.
“The Artist Recovery Act was designed with intention,” Hoskin said. “Now in round three, we’re seeing the positive impact these funds are having not only helping artists recover, but enabling and empowering them for a bright and promising future. These artists are producing incredible work that represents and celebrates our beautiful, thriving culture, and we look forward to seeing and sharing more of it.”
The new public bid seeks work related to Cherokee history, culture and heritage. This includes, but is not limited to, historic figures, clothing and language in contemporary styles and mediums. Examples may include traditional Cherokee stories, traditional Southeastern symbolism, depictions of the seven clans, traditional culture practices and more.
Since being signed into law in October 2022, more than 375 pieces of art have been purchased from 124 Cherokee artists, resulting in an investment of about $665,000.
Additional funds provided by the act are being utilized to support other initiatives such as Market Access Support, which provides marketing, travel and registration support for Cherokee artists participating in qualifying art shows and markets; Marketing Materials Assistance to assist with business development efforts; and the Cultural Classes Program, in which Cherokee artists can apply to be contracted teachers for cultural classes, performances and demonstrations hosted in the community and are paid for their time, supplies and travel.
Artists can still apply for assistance through those programs by visiting www.Anadisgoi.com.
For more information on the latest public bid, visit www.CherokeeBids.org and navigate to procurement No.151945. You can also contact Amy Eubanks at amy.eubanks@cn-bus.com with any questions or to submit a digital bid.
