2026 Mayor's Arts Grants
The longstanding Mayor’s Arts Grant program recognizes community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that enrich Anchorage through diverse arts and cultural events, including visual art, theater, dance, music, poetry and heritage.
For the 2026 Arts Grants, the Mayor prioritized projects that expand public access to arts and culture, specifically those offering free or low-cost programming. This year, 17 organizations were selected to receive funding.
Organization
| AWARD |
| Alaska Black Caucus | $5,000 |
| Alaska Chinese Association | $2,500 |
| Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance | $3,000 |
| Alaska Junior Theater | $5,000 |
| Alaska Theatre of Youth | $8,000 |
| Alaska Youth Orchestras | $8,000 |
| Anchorage Community Theatre Inc | $3,000 |
| Anchorage Concert Association | $7,500 |
Anchorage Downtown Partnership Community Services
| $7,500 |
| Anchorage Folk Festival Inc | $8,500 |
| Anchorage International Film Festival | $11,500 |
| Anchorage Symphony Orchestra | $10,000 |
Cyrano's Theatre Company
| $3,500 |
| Drag for a Cause | $3,000 |
| HEART INC | $3,500 |
Northern Culture Exchange
| $6,500 |
| YMCA of Alaska | $4,000
|
For inquiries, please send email to:
2026 Beyond the Beige Grants
Now in its second year, Beyond the Beige—a partnership between the Municipality and the Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA)—will award a total of $100,000 among five community-driven projects aimed at bringing vibrant, engaging public art and color to Anchorage.
Selected projects span the Municipality from downtown to Spenard and Girdwood. This year's installations will transform everyday vehicles into sculptural art, feature large-scale murals celebrating Alaska heritage, and revitalize local infrastructure with bold, bright designs.
“Great public spaces help create great communities,"
said ACDA Executive Director Mike Robbins. “Beyond the Beige is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can support local artists, energize neighborhoods, and make Anchorage a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit. ACDA is proud to partner with the Municipality on an initiative that brings creativity, community pride, and investment into public spaces across the Municipality of Anchorage."
“Anchorage is surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world and is home to an incredible creative community, and our urban spaces should reflect that energy,"
said Mayor LaFrance. “The
Beyond the Beige initiative is about transforming our neighborhoods with bold, local artwork and color. These projects will help turn everyday spaces and infrastructure into points of civic pride that brighten our community."
Organization
| AWARD
|
Anchorage Museum
|
$29,000
|
| Huffman / O'Malley Community Council Federation of Community Councils Inc. |
$25,000 |
| Girdwood Art Institute, Four Valleys Community Schools & the Girdwood Lions Club |
$4,000 |
| Cook Inlet Housing Authority |
$10,000
|
| Anchorage Museum, Seed Lab, Jeff Schultz Photograghy, & Artec Life |
$32,000
|
For inquiries, please send email to: