PRESS RELEASE
Rasmuson Foundation is accepting applications for the 2017 Individual Artist Awards program. Alaska artists at all stages of their careers can apply for grants in 11 disciplines.
The Individual Artist Awards consists of three opportunities: Project Awards, Fellowships and the Distinguished Artist Award. Project Awards and Fellowships are grants of $7,500 and $18,000 respectively, which can be used to purchase needed equipment, explore techniques and undertake activities that aid in the artists’ development.
Twenty-five project awards and ten fellowships are awarded annually. Artists must submit an application to be considered for these awards. The Distinguished Artist is a single, unrestricted grant of $40,000 given to an individual with a history of creative excellence and accomplishment in Alaska. Distinguished Artist candidates are identified through a nomination process.
“These awards allow Alaskan artists to pursue their individual passions and artistic growth,” said Jeff Baird, Program Officer for Rasmuson Foundation. “They are intended to advance and sustain artists in their own practice and to inspire creativity throughout Alaska.”
Project Awards are available in eleven artistic disciplines: choreography, crafts, folk and traditional arts, literary arts/script works, media arts, multi-discipline, music composition, new genre, performance art, presentation/interpretation and visual arts.
Fellowships rotate annually. For 2017, Fellowships will be awarded in choreography, crafts, folk and traditional arts, literary arts/script works, and performance art.
Launched in 2004, the Individual Artist Awards program has supported 408 artists in 52 communities across Alaska.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have lived in Alaska more than two years and not received an Individual Artist Award in 2015 or 2016. Artists are encouraged to apply online via rasmuson.org/IAA by March 1. Call (877) 366-2700 (toll free in Alaska) for more information.
Workshops:
The Foundation will host a series of workshops to provide an overview of the grant options and to answer application related questions.
Bethel: 12:30p.m.-1:30p.m. on January 17th in the Alaska Room at the Kuskokwim Consortium Library.
Anchorage/Remote: 12p.m.-1p.m. on January 20th at Rasmuson Foundation. This event is also accessible via internet and phone. Check rasmuson.org/IAA for specifics on how to connect.
Fairbanks: 5:30p.m.-7p.m. on January 23rd in the Bear Gallery at the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts.
Juneau: 12p.m.-1p.m. on January 24th at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center.
About the Foundation:
Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband E.A. Rasmuson. The Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.
