Arias Hoyle, Artist in Residence and Artist in Schools in Nanwalek, September 20202
Bunnell Street Arts Center welcomes Juneau-based hip-hop artist Arias Hoyle, who returns to Nanwalek for a music creation residency with the students of Nanwalek School sponsored by National Performance Network and Alaska State Council on the Arts Artist in Schools Program from September 12 – 16.
Arias’s residency will develop his project, “North Star.” He envisions a bright future for Indigenous Alaskan artists in music, movement and film. His project engages youth in the creation of a music video shot in Nanwalek, Alaska.
“My ancestry includes African American, Tlingít, Blackfoot Native, as well as Caucasian. My Tlingít name is Yawdunéi, and I am Gaanaxteidí (Raven Woodworm). My Alaska Native family are the Jilkáat Kwáan (Chilkat People) who originate from Klukwan in Haines. My intention is to broaden our audience with my music. Tlingít pride and Alaskan representation incorporated into hiphop is my forte. Alaska is full of remarkable history; it’s only necessary that we be nationally recognized for our artistic expression. Some people view our tribes as dying out, whereas I see us as striving peoples ready for revitalization. Aatléin gunalchéesh! Ixsixán Ax Kwáan!” – Arias Hoyle, @air_jazz
“I would like to thank Bunnell Street Arts Center for their continued support for the arts in our local schools. I would like to especially thank them for thinking of and showing amazing support for our Title I, over the water, village schools. It takes a lot of effort and financial support to get artists in these off the road system schools, and our students and community truly benefit and appreciate it.” – Penny Bearden–Brown, Nanwalek Principle
Hoyle’s residency is sponsored by the National Performance Network, Westaf Regional Touring program, and the Alaska State Council on the Arts. Additional support provided by RAVN Alaska.