Fellowship Award Grant

Fellowship Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Rasmuson Foundation
Amount: US $50,000
Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Summary

The Fellowship Award, offered by the Rasmuson Foundation, supports mid-career and established artists in Alaska with grants of up to $25,000. These awards enable artists to focus on their creative work for a year, providing resources for reflection and experimentation. Recipients also benefit from professional development and promotion of their work, enhancing their skills in marketing and finances. This initiative encourages collaboration among artists, fostering a vibrant artistic community in Alaska.

Overview

NOTE: As of 2025, Project Awards and Fellowships will open in alternating years. Applications for Project Awards can be found  here. Fellowships Helping Alaska artists develop Up to 20 awards of $25,000 for mid-career or established artists to focus their energy and attention for a one-year period on developing their creative work. Project Awards and Fellowships are designed to provide artists living and working in Alaska the resources to concentrate and reflect on their work, to immerse themselves in a creative endeavor, and to experiment, explore, and develop their artistry more fully. In addition to individual artists, groups and collaboratives, two or more artists working together are eligible for Project Awards and Fellowships. A musical band, a dance group, and a multimedia collective are some examples. Award recipients receive a grant as well as professional development and promotion of their work. Professional development will focus on continued skill development in marketing, finances, creation of work samples, and more. The Foundation also promotes artists through social media. Who is a practicing artist? A practicing artist is actively and currently working on their craft. This can be demonstrated through an active and consistent studio practice, exhibition, performance, publication, mentorship, project development or more. Culture bearers, literary writers, filmmakers, dancers, musical performers, composers, choreographers, folk and traditional artists and visual creatives such as painters, photographers, and sculptors are all artists.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Application Details

General Overview
WHAT ARE THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST AWARDS?
Rasmuson Foundation recognizes the merit and signi�icance of a life
dedicated to artistic exploration and individual growth at any career stage –
as an artist, maker, or culture bearer. The Individual Artist Awards program
(IAA) was created in 2003 as one of several focused on developing arts and
culture in Alaska. The program provides one-year grants to Alaska artists that support the time,
re�lection, immersion, or experimentation bene�icial to the development of their artistry. Since its
2in0ce2p5ti oPnR, oOvGerR 6A5M0 g CraHnAtsN hGavEeS b een awarded to artists in 54 communities throughout Alaska.
What’s new.
•
• Project and Fellowship grants will alternate each year, beginning in 2025 with Project
Awards. Fellowship Awards will be offered in 2026.
o
Incre ased number of annual awards:
o
• Project Award: Up to 50 awards of $10,000 in 2025.
Fellowship Award: Up to 20 awards of $25,000 in 2026.
Updated disciplines to re�lect the current creative �ields in Alaska.
This new cycle allows individual artists to apply for a $10,000 Project Award or wait until 2026 to
apply for a $25,000 Fellowship. Given the cadence of this program, applicants are encouraged to
determine which program best �its their needs before applying.
I f awarded, artists must wait three years before applying again to the Individual Artist Awards
program.
AWARD CATEGORIES
• Project Awards
o
o
Open Spring 2025.
o
Who: Artists of all career stages.
Purpose: Intended for speci�ic, short-term projects that have a clear bene�it to the
o
artist and their development and can be accomplished within one year.
o
Amount: $10,000.
• FellowsUhpi pto A 5w0a arwdasr ds.
o
o
Open early 2026.
o
Who: Mid-career and mature artists.
Purpose: Flexible funds intended for artists to advance their creative practice within
o
one year.
o
Amount: $25,000.
Up to 20 awards.

General Overview
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Arti•s ts and groups may apply if they meet the following grant requirements.
• The applicant (including any group members) must be an Alaska resident living full-time in
• the state for the previous two years and be in the state at the time of application.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Must currently be producing artist-driven work.
Must identify a career stage and meet the speci�ied criteria.
Awardees are responsible for uploading an IRS W9 form and submitting an IRS Form 990 for
year-end tax purposes.
APPLICANT INELIGIBILITY
•
The applicant is enrolled in a degree-seeking program related to the arts at any educational
• level and/or submitting artwork completed while enrolled and under the supervision of an
art instructor.
• The applicant is currently a board member (immediate family member), staff member, or
under contract at the Foundation.
Individuals or groups whose work or project is primarily of academic or scholarly research
• or is client-driven (work currently under the direction or contract and paid by a client, a
�irm, a government agency, a school, a business, or likewise.).
*If applTyihneg p aass at rgercoiuppie, ntht eh aabs oavne o evliegridbuileit y�i naanld r ienpeolirgti.b ility criteria apply to ALL group members.

General Overview
ALASKA RESIDENCY VERIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The applicant (including any group members) must be an Alaska resident living full-time in the
state for the previous two years and be in the state at the time of application.
Award recipients must live full-time in Alaska and maintain residency in Alaska for the duration
of the grant period.
If awarded, we w ill ask for two forms of Alaska State PFD con�irmation to verify residency.
1. PFD 2024 1099-MISC income tax statement
(https://pfd.alaska.gov/payments/tax-information)
2. PFD 2025 �iling con�irmation
At p•r ogram discretion, we may ask for other forms of veri�ication, including but not limited to.
•
• Copy of a valid driver’s license, passport, or federal/state-issued ID.
• Voter registration.
• Bank statement (you may redact amounts).
Lease agreement.
Utility bill (i.e. electricity, water, gas).
Mortgage or home ownership documentation will not be accepted.
Contact staff at arts@rasmuson.org in advance of applying if there are questions about an
applicant/s’ residency status.

General Overview
CAREER STAGES
ETmhee Froguinngd:a tion de�ines artist career stages as emerging, mid-career, and mature.
Artists or groups who are in the early stages of their professional careers –
irrespective of age – and in the process of developing their practice and gaining recognition in
their discipline. Emerging artists, makers, and culture bearers may have recently begun their
artistic practice or exited an apprenticeship or institutional training program. They have
developed their own self-directed body of work. Their work has already started to take shape
and contains the seeds of further artistic development. Artworks completed while enrolled in a
degree-seeking or apprenticeship or under the revision of a professor or mentor are not eligible.
Mid-Career:
Artists or groups who are further along in their careers. They have created an
independent body of work over many years and have made a recognized contribution to their
discipline through public presentation or acknowledgment. Mid-career artists, makers, and
culture bearers have shared, exhibited, produced, or presented several bodies and portfolios of
work. They have steadily progressed as artists and continue to challenge themselves to explore
other avenues of expression and deepen the creative practice that brought them to this artistic
stage.
Mature:
Artists or groups who have created an extensive independent body of work representing
a life-long mature investigation of their original works and creativity. They demonstrate a highly
developed aesthetic and artistic ability with the consistency of expression throughout a long
professional art career. They have achieved varying degrees of recognition within their
communities and discipline. Mature artists, makers, and culture bearers are masters in their
�ields.

General Overview
PRIMARY DISCIPLINES
Applicants determine and select one primary discipline that best �its their practice and may
select additional secondary disciplines/areas of concentration if applicable.
CRAFTS:
Artists working in all forms of functional and nonfunctional crafts, including, but
• Visual artists working with craft mediums may choose to apply in the Visual Arts discipline.
not limited to, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, �iber, textiles, and repurposed materials.
Folk, traditional, or culturally based craft artists may choose to apply in the Folk and
Traditional Arts discipline.
DANCE/CHOREOGRAPHY:
Artists create work in all dance mediums, including
choreography. Genres include, but are not limited to ballet, contemporary, �lamenco, folk, hip-
hop, improvisation, jazz, Latin, modern, swing, tap, traditional and culturally speci�ic dance
• If Dance/ Choreography is selected as a primary discipline, artists must choose Original
forms.
Work or Presentation/ Interpretation (Presentation/Interpretation references works that
are reinterpretations or explorations of another artist’s or creator's existing work. I.e. Cover
bands, Shakespeare, The Nutcracker, etc.) as a secondary discipline.
FOLK AND TRADITIONAL ARTS:
Artists, makers, or culture bearers whose work is rooted in
and re�lects a community’s shared cultural values, history, and experiences. Folk and Traditional
Arts refer to a variety of art forms that are developed by groups or communities. These forms
often evolve over generations and may be learned through mentorship, apprenticeship, familial
traditions, observation, or revival. Likewise, Folk Arts may re�lect works created outside of
institutional or academic training. Folk and Traditional Arts are often communally grounded
but may also re�lect art forms developed and/or occurring outside of hierarchical Western
standards of creation. These art forms can take the shape of performing traditions in music,
dance, drama, traditional storytelling, traditional crafts, and visual arts.
LITERARY ARTS/SCRIPTWORKS:
Artists write original works in �iction, creative non�iction,
poetry, screenplays, and scripts for the stage. Types of literary art may include short stories,
plays, novels, and creative non�iction like memoirs, essays, or biographies. Poetry may re�lect
lines and stanzas in free verse, narrative, lyrical, dramatic forms, or metrical.
MEDIA ARTS:
Artists create narrative, animation, or time-based original works through
�ilm, audio, video, computer/digital, and interactive media, including installations in
which these expressions form the central artistic element.

General Overview
MULTIDISCIPLINE:
Artists whose work is grounded in more than one discipline and/or
is experimental. Multidisciplinary artists may create work that combines elements of two
more disciplines, such as Visual Arts and Dance/Choreography or Music/Music
Composition and Craft.
• If Multidiscipline is selected as a primary discipline, artists must choose at least two
secondary disciplines.
MUSIC/MUSIC COMPOSITION:
Musicians and composers create works in various genres,
including but not limited to classical, jazz, folk, bluegrass, musical Theater, pop, blues, gospel,
hip hop, rock, etc. Musicians or groups who are not producing or performing original music –
such as musicians performing existing opera or classical music or cover music artists – must
select Presentation/Interpretation(Presentation/Interpretation references works that are
reinterpretations or explorations of another artist’s or creator's existing work. I.e. Cover
bands, Shakespeare, The Nutcracker, etc.) as their subdiscipline.
PERFORMANCE AND THEATRE:
Artists creating and performing works presented to an
audience within a �ine art and/or theatrical context. These can be theatre or non-theatre-
based works that are time-based and performed live for an audience. Scripted or unscripted,
this includes works centered on physical action carried out or orchestrated by an artist or
collaborators. Performance and Theatre include performance artists; artists who write and
perform their original material; comedy; theatrical shows; artists who combine visual art with
dramatic performance; movement-based works; spoken word; circus arts; vaudeville and
cabaret; puppetry; and other individual or group action-based works.
• If Performance and Theatre is selected as a primary discipline, artists must choose
Original Work or Presentation/Interpretation (Presentation/Interpretation references
works that are reinterpretations or explorations of another artist’s or creator's existing
work. I.e. Cover bands, Shakespeare, The Nutcracker, etc.) as a secondary discipline.
PRODUCTION ARTS:
Artists working in creative roles such as lighting design, set
design, costume design, projection, production or sound design, stage direction, or
dramaturgy.
VISUAL ARTS:
Artists creating original work in two- and three-dimensional forms,
including but not limited to painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, photography,
illustration, watercolor, etching, computer graphics, �iber art and textiles, and mediums
associated with artists’ books. The visual arts include sculpture, installations, glass,
metalworks, ceramics, etc.

General Overview
SECONDARY DISCIPLINES/AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
Secondary Disciplines/Areas of Concentration help distinguish between the artist’s primary
overarching practice and the secondary or supplemental creative practice. Areas of
Concentration re�lect the speci�ic form, text, or context of an artist’s practice. Artists may select
“Oth•e r” to specify information relevant to their creative practice.
•
• Crafts
• Cultural Preservation
• Dance/Choreography
• Folk and Traditional Arts
• Literary Arts/Scriptworks
• Media Arts
• Multidiscipline
• Music/Music Composition
• Original Work
• Performance and Theatre
• Presentation/Interpretation
• Production Arts
Visual Arts
Other (Specify)

General Overview
APPLICATION PROCESS – PROJECT AWARD
Monday, April 7.
The application cycle for ProMjeocnt dAawy,a Jrudn oep 9en ast o1n1 :59 p.m. AKT
The application deadline is .
Submit an application through the “Grants Login” link on our website:
https://grants.rasmuson.org/s_Login.jsp
do not create a new pro�ile
You will be asked for a username and password. If you have applied for an IAA before, and cannot
remember your log on information, . Please contact
arts@rasmuson.org and staff will retrieve this information for you.
Please carefully review the program guidelines, eligibility criteria, application questions, and
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). The guidelines explain the application process and how to
connect with the team during of�ice hours.

General Overview
SELECTION PROCESS
The Individual Artist Awards Program is highly competitive with hundreds of applications received
each cycle. To stay neutral as a grantmaker, the Foundation assembles a national panel of renowned
artists and art professionals to review and determine up to 50 awards. The panelists will consider
many factors of the application including feasibility, strength of the proposed project, quality of the
work samples, artist statement and experience, realistic budget, and demonstrated success with
prior similar projects or proven potential to follow through with the proposed project. The panel
will also consider factors such as discipline, career stage, potential for artistic growth, and quality
and thoroughness of application completeness. Decision noti�ications will be made in Fall 2025.

General Overview
CULTURAL CONTENT REVIEW
All applications will be reviewed by a national cultural content expert. If works include or reference
cultural content, the applicant or group must convey how they have partnered with this cultural
group, practice, or region.
Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices,
ideas, etc., of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or
society.

General Overview
KEY DATES
• April 7, 2025
• June 9, at 11:59 p.m. AKT
• Application opens: Fall 2025
• Applications d J u a e n : . 1 – Dec. 31, 2026
Noti�ication of awards:
Grant period:
Program Contact: Sheryl Saturnino, Program Of�icer, ssaturnino@rasmuson.org

General Overview
Individual Artist Awards
FAQs
What is IAA?
The Individual Artist Awards (IAA) are competitive grants to support artists, makers, or culture
Wbehaaretr asw waorrdksin agr ien a Avlaaislkaab. le?
TCohmerpee atirteiv teh grerae natws.a rd types:
•
•
Project Award: $10,000, up to 50 awards.
NominaFteiollno-wbashseipd .A ward: $25,000, up to 20 awards.
•
Who caDni satpinpgluyi?s hed Artist: $50,000, one annual award.
Practicing artists over the age of 18 who have lived in Alaska for at least two years at the time of
Csuabnm airtttiinstgs tahpepirl ya pfoprli cmaotiroen t. hGaronu opnse a anwd acordlla obro irna tmivuelst iaprlee e dliigsicbiplel.i n es?
NHoo,w a rdtois It sk mnoawy ownhlyic shu pbmroigt roanme atpop alipcpaltyio fno rp?e r grant cycle.
Potential applicants are welcome to explore the opportunities available through the Individual
Artist program. To ensure equitable access and thoughtful consideration of all applicants, we ask
that individuals be mindful in selecting the program that �its their needs at time of application
given the cadence of this grant program. This approach allows us to provide focused support and
maintain a balanced and fair application process across all programs.
WIf yeo gue nareer aalnly E raercloym-Cmareenedr. /Emerging artist, you are eligible to apply for.
•
If you aTreh ea PMriodj-eCcat rAewear rodr, iMntaetnudreed a frotirs st,h yoorut- atererm el i(guipb lteo t oo naep pyelya fro) rp.rojects in 10 disciplines.
•
•
The Project Award, intended for short-term (up to one year) projects in 10 disciplines.
The Fellowship Award, intended for recognition of artistic accomplishments, excellence,
and promise of future artistic growth and development. The Fellowship Award application
If I recewivilel do paenn a iwn aeradrl yin 2 2002262. , can I apply for the 2025 Project Award?
Yes.

General Overview
If I received an award in 2023, can I apply for the 2025 Project Award?
NI’mo. Ranec aipriteisntt st haawta’sr dpeadr ti no f2 a0 2g3r oaurep .e Cliagnib Ile a tpop alyp?p ly in 2026 for the Fellowship Award.
•
If you are a member of a group or collaborative, you may apply under the following
o
conditions.
Primary Applicant: Only one individual from the group can apply as the primary
o
applicant.
Group Representation: A single group member must represent the group in the
o
application process.
Eligibility: The primary applicant must meet all eligibility criteria outlined in the
o
application guidelines.
Collaboration Agreement: The group must agree internally on the individual who
o
will apply on their behalf.
PROJECT AWAPRleDa sFeA eQnSsure that these conditions are met before submitting your application.
When does the applicat ion open?
WThhee anp aprliec aatpiopnli ccyactlieo nosp ednuse ?on Monday, April 7.
HProowje dcto A Iw suarbdm aipt pmliyc aatpiopnlisc aarteio dnu?e by 11:59 p.m. AKT on Monday, June 9.
Applications must be submitted through our grants management platform. Each applicant will
need to log into an existing account or create a new account on SmartSimple. The platform allows
applicants to save their progress and return later so you do not need to complete the application
in one sitting. As you are drafting your application, we strongly recommend working in a
separate document to back up your responses and saving often in case of technical issues and to
pI raemve hnat vloinsgs otrf oinufbolrem loatgigonin. g into SmartSimple. Who do I contact?
If you are having login issues, email arts@rasmuson.org or call the Foundation of�ice at 907-297-
2I 7h0a0ve/t qoulle fsrteieo nins /Anlaesekda h 8e7l7p- o3n6 6th-2e7 a0p0p. l ication. Who do I contact?
For the quickest response, email your questions thoe arrets@rasmuson.org.
YWohua cta tny aplesso osfc hperdoujelcet as tairmee e dliugriibnlge ?o f�ice hours (select “IAA”).
The Project Award is intended for short-term (one-year) projects that have a clear bene�it to the
artist and their development. Project budgets can include line items for artist time,
sup•p lies/materials, marketing, travel, equipment, space/studio rental, etc. Past awards have
supported.
The purchase of musical instruments and equipment and studio rental to support the
album production.

General Overview
•
• Travel to Southeast Alaska to shadow weavers as they teach, gather materials and weave
hats and baskets.
When wThilel Ic krenaotwio no fo af ad epchiostioognr?aph series to exhibit at a local art gallery.
DIfe Ic’misi aown anrodtie�idc,a wtiohnast wis itllh bee g mraandte p iner Fiaoldl ?2025.
TWhhea gtr aanptp pliecrainotd r ies sJoaunr. 1ce –s /Dgeuci. d3a1n, c2e0 2d6o.e s the Foundation provide?
•
•
• Program guidelines.
• Of�ice hours (select “IAA”).
• Artist toolkit resources on the website.
• Contact the Foundation. .
Phone: 907-297-2700 (M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.).
What isE mthaei ls: ealretcst@iorna spmroucseosns.?org
The Foundation assembles a national panel of renowned artists and art professionals to review
and determine up to 50 awards. The panelists will consider many factors of the application
including feasibility, strength of the proposed project, quality of the work samples, artist
statement and experience, realistic budget, and demonstrated success with prior similar projects
or proven potential to follow through with the proposed project. The panel will also consider
factors such as discipline, career stage, potential for artistic growth, and quality and
tWhohraotu igsh tnhees csu olft uarpapll iccoantitoenn ct ormevpielewte?ness. Decision noti�ications will be made in Fall 2025.
Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs,
practices, ideas, etc., of one people or society by members of another and typically more
dominant people or society.
All submitted applications will be reviewed by a national cultural content expert. If works include
or references cultural content, the applicant or group must convey how they have partnered with
tWhiisll c Iu blteu arabll egr toou gpe, tp freaecdtibcea,c okr o rne gmioyn d. eclined application?
The Foundation will offer general of�ice hours to answer questions, provide technical assistance
and to give applicants an opportunity to connect directly with us. We will not provide panel
fIef eI drbeaceckiv oen a i ngdraivnidt,u walh aapt pisli cthatei ornesp.o rting process?
At the end of the grant period (or when your project is complete – whichever comes �irst), please
submit a �inal report detailing what you accomplished during the grant period and how the funds
were used. A report template will be provided for guidance. The Foundation does not require
receipts.

General Overview
Final reports are included as part of your grant agreement. Late or absent reports may result in
iFnoerl iqguibeislittiyo tnos a, ppplelya saeg aeimn iani lt:h aer ftust@urrea.s muson.org or visit the IAA homepage on our website.