The Alaska State Council on the Arts has announced that Vera Starbard has been appointed as the new Alaska State Writer Laureate. Starbard, a Tlingit and Dena’ina playwright based in Anchorage, is known for her work in both theater and film. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her writing, including the Alaska Native Playwright Award and the Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Award.
As State Writer Laureate, Starbard will serve as an ambassador for the literary arts in Alaska, promoting writing and cultural storytelling throughout the state. In a statement, Starbard expressed her commitment to advocating for Indigenous voices and perspectives in the literary community, stating, “I hope to be able to create some bonds and opportunities for Alaska Native writers in our state.”
The selection of an Alaska Native writer as State Writer Laureate is seen as a significant step towards diversifying and amplifying Indigenous voices in the literary world. In recent years, there has been a push for increased representation and recognition of Indigenous writers and storytellers, both in Alaska and across the country.
The appointment of Vera Starbard as the new Alaska State Writer Laureate has been met with enthusiasm and support from the literary community. In a press release, Alaska State Council on the Arts Executive Director Andrea Noble-Pelant praised Starbard for her talent and dedication to promoting Indigenous storytelling. As State Writer Laureate, Starbard will have the opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Alaska through her writing and advocacy work.
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