Today the Anchorage Museum received a $199,960 grant from ArtPlace, a national coalition of foundations, banks and federal agencies. At a crucial time of rapid climatological, economic and societal change in Alaska, these funds will harness the power of the arts to improve quality of life in Alaska and the circumpolar North. Just 47 of 2,200 applicants nationwide earned a portion of the $15.4 million available this grant cycle.

ArtPlace funds are focused on “creative placemaking,” in which partners from public, private, nonprofit and community sectors strategically shape a place’s physical and social character. Examples of creative placemaking include artistic streetscaping, converting derelict properties into arts centers, and adapting historic sites for educational purposes.

The Anchorage Museum’s project, Northern Initiative, will bring together artists, scientists, historians, anthropologists and community leaders to address the challenges of living in the North and to develop creative solutions. One example of this is the Next North Symposium, which will be held Sept. 5-9 at the museum. The project also will include exhibitions and public events designed to spark conversation and bring forth new ideas. Learn more at www.artplaceamerica.org.

ARTPLACE

ArtPlace is a collaboration of 11 of the nation’s top foundations including the Rasmuson Foundation, eight federal agencies including the National Endowment for the Arts, and six of the nation’s largest banks. ArtPlace is investing in art and culture at the heart of a portfolio of integrated strategies that can drive vibrancy and diversity sopowerful that it transforms communities.

ANCHORAGE MUSEUM

The Anchorage Museum is the largest museum in Alaska and one of the top 10 most visited attractions in the state. The museum’s mission is to share and connect Alaska with the world through art, history and science. Learn more online atwww.anchoragemuseum.org.