Rasmuson Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2023 Distinguished Artist Award. The deadline for nominating artists is Monday, Dec. 5.

The Distinguished Artist Award is part of the Foundation’s Individual Artist Awards, which in 2023 will mark its 20th year of recognizing Alaska artists. The program also includes Project Award and Fellowship grants. Applications for those awards will open Dec. 15, and close March 1, 2023.

Rasmuson Foundation offers one $40,000 Distinguished Artist Award annually in recognition of an Alaskan’s significant artistic accomplishments and creative excellence over multiple decades. These artists have chosen to make their lives and careers in Alaska, thereby contributing to the richness of arts and culture in the state.

An Alaska-based panel of artists and art experts is assembled each year to review nominations. Distinguished Artist Award recipients are generally full-time professional artists and will be recognized by peers and experts across the state as among the most accomplished in their field. The panel selects one artist based on the quality of their work, creative accomplishments and impact in Alaska. The Foundation has honored 19 Distinguished Artists over time, from Ketchikan weaver Delores Churchill to 2022 recipient, photographer James Barker. A special feature on our website showcases all past recipients.

“Artists do so much to enrich our communities,” said Jeff Baird, chief of staff and program lead. “The Distinguished Artist Award recognizes these contributions by putting a spotlight on a single artist who over a lifetime has had significant impact not only on their craft but in lifting up and inspiring the next generation of artists.”

In addition to the singular Distinguished Artist Award, the Foundation grants Project Awards of $7,500 available to artists of all career stages, and Fellowships of $18,000 for artists who are at least mid-career.

You can learn more about the Individual Artist Awards program, and nominate an artist, online at https://rasmuson.org/grants/individual-artist-awards/.