The Rasmuson Foundation is accepting applications through June 9 for their competitive project awards. This year, the foundation will grant up to 50 Project Awards of $10,000 each. Project Awards are for “short-term projects that clearly benefit the artist and their development,” and are open to artists from all career stages. According to an April 7 press release, the program has invested more than $6.5 million in supporting the career development of Alaska artists since it began in 2003.
“The Individual Artist Awards are a celebration of the rich culture and diversity of Alaska,” Rasmuson Foundation President/CEO Gretchen Guess said. “Supporting artists is an investment in our community and economy. We’re pleased to reintroduce these awards with a new approach.”
Fellowship applications will open in 2026 and continue in alternate years of the project awards. Up to 20 fellowships of $25,000 will be awarded to mid-career or mature artists. The fellowship award funds are described as “flexible funds for artists to advance their creative practice.”
Distinguished Artist Award nominations closed in March. This award opens yearly, to recognize “creative excellence and significant artistic accomplishments.” It is a one-time award of $50,000.
Chris Perez, Rasmuson Foundation vice president of programs, said the Individual Artist Awards are a highly competitive program, with hundreds of well-qualified applicants applying every year. By separating project and fellowship awards into alternating years, the organization hopes to help more artists each cycle. Former local recipients of Rasmuson Individual Artist Awards include crafters Mandy Bernard and Mary Hayden and sculptural ceramicist Cynthia Morelli in 2020; filmmakers Silas Firth and Bjorn Olson in 2021; and ceramicist Xochiyollotl Carrow Harbison and photographer Rafael de la Uz in 2023.
Selected awardees for the Project Award will be announced in late 2025. The 2025 Distinguished Artist Award will be announced this fall.
Artists living in Alaska at every career stage are encouraged to visit rasmuson.org where they can find specific program guidelines and eligibility criteria, and complete the online application. Awarded artists must wait three years before applying for a new Individual Artist Award.
