Project Awards

The Rasmuson Foundation’s Individual Artist Awards Program supports Alaska-based artists through two primary mechanisms: Project Awards and Fellowships. In 2025, only Project Awards are available, with applications accepted through June 9, 2025. Fellowships will resume in even-numbered years, beginning with Spring 2026. This alternating schedule was introduced starting in 2025 to better manage program resources and participation. The Project Awards are designed specifically for early- to mid-career artists. These $10,000 grants are intended to provide artists with the opportunity to focus deeply on their creative work, explore new artistic directions, and enhance their professional development. Project Awards are available not only to individual artists but also to groups and collaboratives, such as bands, dance troupes, or multimedia collectives. Fellowships, in contrast, offer $25,000 grants to mid- to late-career artists and will be offered in alternate years. Artists who are at least 18 years old and have been residents of Alaska for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply, provided they are not enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an artistic discipline. The Foundation recognizes a broad range of artistic disciplines including but not limited to crafts, dance, traditional arts, literary and media arts, music, performance, and visual arts. Artists may only submit one application per cycle and must wait three years after receiving an award before reapplying. Applications are reviewed by an expert panel selected nationally to ensure neutrality and a diversity of perspectives. Panelists evaluate submissions based on the strength and feasibility of the proposed project, quality of work samples, artist statement, career trajectory, and completeness of the application. Applications must also reflect cultural responsibility and avoid cultural appropriation. Applicants are required to submit specific numbers of work samples depending on their discipline. Additional support resources, including application toolkits and videos, are available on the Rasmuson Foundation’s website. For questions or guidance, applicants can reach out directly to the Foundation staff at arts@rasmuson.org.