Project Awards

The Rasmuson Foundation offers Project Awards and Fellowships to support individual artists and artist groups residing in Alaska. These awards are part of the Foundation’s broader Individual Artist Awards Program, which aims to provide artists with the resources and recognition needed to develop their creative practices. Rooted in the Foundation's long-standing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Alaskans, this program specifically supports artists by enabling them to focus on their creative work, expand their skills, and gain broader exposure for their art. Fellowship Awards, offered in even-numbered years such as 2026, are tailored to mid-career and mature artists who are actively practicing and have resided in Alaska for at least two years. These fellowships are not tied to a specific project but are instead intended to support overall artistic growth and practice. Awardees receive $25,000 in flexible funding which can be used for time, space, materials, travel, training, or other professional development needs. Project Awards, which are offered in odd-numbered years (next round in 2025), support early- to mid-career artists pursuing a defined artistic project with a $10,000 grant. Each award includes both financial support and professional development in areas such as marketing, financial management, and portfolio development. Eligibility criteria are clearly outlined. Applicants must be 18 years or older, practicing mid-career or mature artists, and have lived in Alaska for at least two years. Artists may include culture bearers, dancers, filmmakers, composers, musical performers, photographers, painters, and others working in creative fields. Collaboratives of two or more artists, such as musical groups or multimedia collectives, are also eligible. Applicants may only apply once per year, and previous award recipients must wait three years before reapplying. The submission process is conducted through the SmartSimple grants management platform. Applicants must either create an account or log in to an existing one. The system allows for saving progress and returning later to complete the application. It is strongly recommended that applicants draft their responses in a separate document to avoid data loss. Applications for the 2026 Fellowship Awards are due by Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AKST. There is no requirement for a project budget, as the fellowship supports general artistic development rather than a specific endeavor. Applications are reviewed by a national panel of artists and art professionals. Evaluation is based on artistic quality, the artist’s demonstrated success, potential for future growth, work samples, and career stage. Cultural content is also reviewed to ensure appropriate representation, and applicants are required to explain how they collaborate with or are connected to the cultural communities referenced in their work. The Foundation does not provide individualized feedback but offers general office hours for applicant support. Final reporting is required at the end of the grant period or upon project completion. This includes a narrative report but not financial receipts. Late or missing reports can affect future eligibility. While the grant is considered taxable income, awardees are encouraged to consult tax professionals for specific guidance. Contact for questions is available via [email protected] or by phone at 907-297-2700 (or toll-free in Alaska at 877-366-2700). The Foundation also offers a range of support materials, including toolkits and video guidance, to assist artists in preparing competitive applications.