What is cultural appropriation? How do you recognize it? How do you avoid it? How can cross-cultural exchanges and sharing of ideas happen without inappropriate appropriation?

The topic is complex. To help provide food for thought, guidance as we can, the Council has gathered resources for you to read. In addition, it will be convening regular community gatherings (the first is scheduled for Friday, Mar 9 at 5:30 – 7 pm at the JACC) to discuss the topic from different angles, in hopes of leading to greater community understanding and an appreciation, in fact a celebration, of the many diverse culture who live in Juneau.

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines cultural appropriation as “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.”

From the Alaska State Council on the Arts: Think Before you Appropriate

Grantmakers in the Arts: Racial Equity in Arts Philanthropy

Nonprofit with balls: Trickle-Down Community Engagement, part 2: The infantilization of marginalized
communities must stop

Juneau Empire: Exploring the gray area between cultural appreciation and appropriation in Juneau