Alaska Contemporary Art Bank

The Alaska Contemporary Art Bank (ACAB) was founded in 1975 by the Alaska State Council on the Arts to expose Alaskans to high quality work by contemporary Alaskan artists through the loaning of original art to public offices throughout Alaska, and to provide support to professional artists in Alaska through purchase of their work. The collection has grown to more than 600 art works in a wide variety of media, styles and subject matter.

The ACAB is implementing its first call for art since 2001, from which artworks will be selected for purchase by the Alaska State Council on the Arts' Visual Arts Advisory Committee (VAAC). Artwork is purchased directly from the artist, not through galleries or agents. Art Bank artworks are selected for loan to display in public areas in State owned and operated buildings, University of Alaska departments, the State Legislature and in the offices of Alaskan members of the U.S. Congress. All Alaskan artists are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: Must be an Alaskan resident or have been an Alaskan resident when the work was created. Work must have been created in the last five years. All applications must be submitted through CaFE; no paper applications accepted. Artists can submit up to 6 images of artwork available for purchase. Artwork must be durable and appropriate for public areas; 2-D works must be framed with hanging devices and 3-D works must be self-supporting. Purchase price is set by the artist, but priority will be given to works under $4,000. ASCA will pay for shipping of selected artworks; artist is responsible for packing and insuring transportation. Artists will be notified of acceptance by March 31, 2010 (tentative). Application deadline is 11:59 PM Alaska Standard time, February 28, 2010.