The Alutiiq Museum will receive $32,000 from the Alaska State Council for the Arts Operation Support program. The money will be distributed over two years. It is designed to provide foundational support for Alaska’s arts organizations by supporting ongoing artistic and administrative expenses.

“This is a very important grant for us,” said Katie St. John, the museum’s Interim Director. “There are very few grants that provide operating support, money to pay all those underlying costs of doing business – the electric bill, accounting, janitorial services, and insurance. The council recognizes that arts organizations must pay these expenses to run effectively. We display the council’s logo proudly on our web site and newsletter to let people know that they are a partner in bringing programs to Kodiak.”

The Alaska State Council on the Arts is a statewide arts organization that fosters the development of the arts for all Alaskans through education, partnerships, grants and services. The Council’s grant programs distribute state and federal dollars in Alaska. Grants support both individual artists and arts organizations, including schools, government agencies, and tribes. Operating support grants are available to established arts organizations, and are review every two years by the council’s board.

The Alutiiq Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural traditions of the Alutiiq, a Native Alaskan people. Representatives of Kodiak Alutiiq organizations govern the museum with funding from charitable contributions, memberships, grants, contracts, and sales.