Each year, any individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made a significant contribution to the arts and humanities in Alaska are eligible to be nominated by the public for an award, with the exception of current ASCA or Forum Council/Board members, staff or prior Award recipients. Award recipients are selected by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, Alaska Humanities Forum, and the Office of the Governor.

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You will need the following information to nominate an individual or organization for an award:

 

1) Name and contact information of the person or organization being nominated.  Please check the list of past awardees to be sure that your nominee has not already received an award; previous awardees are not eligible to be nominated again.

 

2) Nominee’s birthdate, including year

 

3) Your name and contact information

 

4) A written nomination statement that describes the nominee in relation to the description of the award you are nominating for, including the long-term impact of their dedication and passion. Note any significant accomplishments they have achieved in their career. (Limit 400 words)

 

5) A bio, resume/curriculum vitae or other information that demonstrates why this person or organization should receive this award.

 

6) You will need to submit 3-5 letters of support for your nominee.

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2025 Award Categories

HUMANITIES AWARDS:

The Award for Distinguished Service to the Humanities are presented by the Alaska Humanities Forum to recognize those Alaska individuals and/or organizations whose efforts have contributed to telling the stories of our past, present, and future, and whose work has helped build a more culturally diverse, economically vibrant, and equitable Alaska where people are engaged, informed, and connected. These awards honor the well-established -- as well as the lesser known -- that have stepped up and made an impact in our communities and our state. Eligibility is open to any individual, organization or institution that has made a significant contribution to the humanities in Alaska, with the exception of current AKHF Board members, staff or prior Award recipients. 
For questions, please contact Polly Carr, pcarr@akhf.org.

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Categories:

• Education: This award recognizes an Alaska individual or organization that has helped strengthen communities by contributing to a better understanding of the world, one another, and the human experience. 

• Leadership: This award recognizes an Alaska individual or organization that has helped strengthen communities through their commitment to improve Alaska's social, economic, and civic life.    

• Community: This award recognizes an Alaska individual or organization that has helped strengthen communities by forging connections between people across race, class, and cultural divides. 

• Rising: This award recognizes an emerging Alaska individual or organization whose work connecting Alaskans through stories, ideas and experiences is already making a profound impact on our communities. 

 

ARTS AWARDS:

Eligibility is open to any individual, organization or institution that has made a significant contribution to the arts in Alaska, with the exception of current ASCA Council members, staff or prior Award recipients. For questions, please contact Andrea Noble, andrea.noble@alaska.gov.

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Categories:​

• Margaret Nick Cooke Award for Alaska Native Arts and Languages: This award recognizes those who have advanced traditional Alaska Native language or culture through their work, or significantly improved the preservation, perpetuation, and active practice of Alaska Native arts.

• Individual Artist Award: Awarded based on artistic leadership, distinction and merit; Recognition of artistic contribution to the state or community through previous honors and awards, reviews or articles; Longevity of impact to state or community.

• Arts Business Leadership Award: This award recognizes an individual or business for longstanding dedication to or significant and successful impact on the arts in Alaska.

• Government Leadership in the Arts Award:  Recognizes established arts organizations and individuals whose contributions to the arts enhance the state. 

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