Mayor LaFrance announces 2025 Mayor's Arts Grant awardees

Each year, the mayor of the Municipality of Anchorage awards grants to community-based presenters, producers, and nonprofit arts organizations who provide visual art, theater, dance, music, poetry and more to the Anchorage community. This long-standing grant program supports and recognizes groups that enrich the Municipality of Anchorage by beautifying public space, preserving and honoring cultural heritage, fostering community dialogue, and uplifting local artists. 

This year, $75,000 was available for award to nonprofit organizations working in arts and culture. Out of 30 organizations that applied, 27 were selected to receive a range of funding for projects that engage the community, create public value, and expand access to the arts. The Arts Advisory Commission reviewed the applications and made a first round of recommendations to the Mayor. 

Projects include the Alaska Junior Theater, which brings diverse performances and cultural stories to local schools and the Atwood Concert Hall; the Anchorage International Film Festival, which champions independent filmmaking, new media, and Indigenous and underrepresented voices; Asian Alaskan Cultural Center's Asian Culture Night, which promotes understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage; Heart, Inc., which puts on dance competition for Hmong children to celebrate their cultural heritage and build community; Girdwood Art Institute's Summer Fine Arts Camp for youth; and many more.  

"Investing in arts and culture supports a thriving Anchorage community – a place where people want to live, work and play," said Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. "These grants directly support projects that will have a meaningful impact and uplift a wide range of voices across the community. I'm excited to see the creativity, culture and community spirit they will bring to life." ​

 2025 Beyond the Beige Awardees 

The Beyond the Beige program will bring bright and engaging artwork to Anchorage's public spaces through community collaboration. Through the initiative, five local projects — most of which are the result of two or more community entities working in partnership — have been selected to receive funding totaling $100,000, awarded jointly by ACDA and the Municipality. These projects reflect the spirit of Beyond the Beige by boosting the vibrancy and appeal of these shared spaces in the community. 

“This program is about pride of place," said Mayor LaFrance. “Public art connects our community, creates joy in everyday places, and reflects who we are to each other. Thank you to all the partners, artists, and neighborhoods working together to show the value and beauty of our community." 

The Beyond the Beige program is a long-term investment in Anchorage's visual identity, public gathering spaces, and creative economy. By encouraging collaboration between artists, nonprofits, neighborhoods, and civic institutions, the initiative supports a more connected and vibrant Anchorage — one project at a time. The five projects selected in this inaugural round represent a range of neighborhoods, artistic styles, and community engagement strategies.  

“These projects exemplify what's possible when we invest in the people and places that make Anchorage unique," said Mike Robbins, Executive Director of the Anchorage Community Development Authority. “Public art drives economic vitality by supporting local artists, attracting foot traffic, and strengthening neighborhood identity. Beyond the Beige is not just beautifying our city — it's fueling partnerships that turn creativity into community growth." 

The Mayor would like to thank the entire selection committee for their work in assessing the projects, including the ACDA Executive Director, representatives from ACDA Board of Directors, the Municipal Arts Advisory Commission, and ACDA and Mayor's Office staff. ​

1. Anchorage Park Foundation – Open-Air Art Project 
   A collaboration between the Alaska Book Mobile, Anchorage Parks Foundation, Airport Heights and Spenard Community Councils, and the Alaska Mural Project, this year-long initiative will bring art and cultural pop-ups to multiple parks and trails throughout the community. The project is a combination of public art and mobile cultural experiences to help people reimagine parks and trails as spaces for connection, creativity, and year-round gatherings. Initial sites include Tikishla Park and Kiwanis Fish Creek Park, with winter activations at Westchester Lagoon, Cuddy Midtown Park, Kincaid Park, and more. 
   Award: $30,000 
2. McKinley Care LLC & Crystal Worl – McKinley Tower Mural 
   Renowned Tlingit/Athabascan artist Crystal Worl will create “Raven Dreams of a Salmon Return," a large-scale mural on the south face of the historic McKinley Tower. At over 27 feet high and 41 feet wide, this mural will transform a prominent downtown wall into a vibrant work of public art and showcase the raven, one of Alaska's most legendary protagonists. 
   Award: $25,000 
3. Anchorage Economic Development Corporation – Alaska Mural Project 
   In partnership with the Affordable Housing and Land Trust, this project will deliver a 1,100-square-foot “Welcome to Anchorage" mural, offering a colorful first impression for visitors and a warm, familiar greeting for residents. 
   Award: $23,000 
4. Northeast Community Council – Functional Animal Sculptures 
   Local animal-shaped bike racks — inspired by Alaska wildlife — will be installed in Northeast Anchorage parks, supporting both utility and play. 
   Award: $12,000 
5. Anchorage Economic Development Corporation & Peach Holdings – Cabin Fever Public Art Project 
   Downtown construction fencing at the Block 41 site on 4th & G Street will become a rotating outdoor gallery, starting with 40 pieces of original art. The 5 by 8-foot pieces will eventually be gifted or auctioned throughout the community. This project transforms a utilitarian space into a platform for local artists.  
   Award: $10,000​