Apply now for ‘Individual Artist Awards’ program

Applications for Rasmuson Foundation’s annual Individual Artist Awards grants program will be accepted through 11:59 p.m., March 1. These grant awards go directly to artists to support the development of new work or for activities that advance creative development.

Individual Artist Awards provide support Alaska artists in 10 artistic disciplines at all stages of their careers and creative development.

Artistic disciplines are: choreography, crafts, folk and traditional arts, literary arts/scriptworks, media arts, multidiscipline/new genre, music composition, performance art, presentation/interpretation and visual arts.

Awards are made in three categories — project awards, artist fellowship awards and the Distinguished Artist Award. Project awards ($7,500) are for artists with short-term project needs. Fellowships ($18,000) are awarded to mid-career and mature artists to advance their careers. The Distinguished Artist award ($40,000) recognizes creative excellence and superior accomplishments. Artists may apply for only one type of award. Anyone may nominate a candidate for the Distinguished Artist Award.

Rasmuson Foundation created the Individual Artist Awards to encourage the growth of serious artists, helping them continue to create, experiment and contribute art to Alaska communities. In 2013, Rasmuson Foundation awarded $400,000 to 35 artists statewide. Since 2004, the Individual Artist Awards program has awarded 302 grants totaling $2.3 million directly to Alaska artists.

Fellowship awards rotate. For 2014, fellowships will only be awarded in media arts, multidiscipline/new genre, music composition, presentation/interpretation and visual arts.

Applications filed through the Rasmuson Foundation website or sent by mail are due by March 1. Applications delivered to the office must be received by 5 p.m., Feb. 28.

Eligible applicants are Alaska residents of two or more years who have not won an Individual Artist Award in the past three years and are 18 years or older.

For more information or to request an application, call (907) 297-2700 or (877) 366-2700.