Photo description: Bunnell Street Arts Center in Homer.

The arts have had a profound impact on my life — connecting me not just to my friends and neighbors, but also to the world around me. The arts constantly teach me new things, reminding me of the power of expression to shape, challenge, and unite us. 

Across Alaska, artists and arts organizations are doing incredible work to celebrate culture and push creative boundaries. In my role with Rasmuson Foundation, I am grateful to be able to support these talented artists and makers. To us, supporting the arts is not only an investment in individual artists or in local organizations — it’s an investment in Alaska’s diverse and wonderful creative landscape. 

Working with Alaska’s local arts organizations, I’ve learned there’s no single best way to support the arts and humanities. Museums, theaters, and community groups are all finding innovative ways to elevate local artists, provide platforms for expression, and make the arts more accessible to all. That’s why we invest in the arts in various ways: through our core grantmaking, competitive awards, and partnerships to comprehensively support local artists and makers in Alaska. 

One example I love is the Alaska Art Fund, a partnership with Museums Alaska that provides funding for local museums to purchase works by living Alaskan artists. In 2022, that program expanded to also support the commissioning of outdoor art, like sculptures and murals. It’s not just about today — it’s about making sure future generations can be inspired by art from their own communities.  

Another program we’re proud to support is the Anchorage Opera’s Artist Development Program. Through a Community Support grant, we’re supporting programming that offers training and mentorship to young vocalists, helping them refine their craft and pursue careers in the arts right here in Alaska.  

Celebrating artistic contributions is a powerful way of uplifting Alaska’s creative community. That’s why we honor accomplished living artists through our Distinguished Artist Award, giving artists who shaped the creative landscape of the state a chance to celebrate their work with their families and communities. For working artists, we give directly through the Individual Artist Award. This competitive grant helps artists create new work, provides space for artists to experiment with their craft, and helps sustain their creative practice. 

The arts are an important part of who we are as Alaskans, from traditional Indigenous beading, dancing, and weaving to contemporary art and song. One of the best parts of my job is ensuring that artists have the support they need to continue enriching our communities for generations to come. 

As we celebrate Alaska’s arts community, I want to highlight an important opportunity: Nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Artist Award are now open. If you know an artist whose lifetime contributions have shaped Alaska’s cultural landscape, I encourage you to submit a nomination. Recognizing and uplifting the artists who inspire us is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future of the arts.