Ursa Major Fund — Alaska Artist Grants (2027 award year)

The Ursa Major Fund backs Alaska-based artists running their own public-facing projects — things that get a community curious, spark conversation, or bring people together around a free event, rather than work tucked inside an institution. Ten grants of $6,000 go out each cycle, paid in two installments: 80% once your agreement is signed, the remaining 20% after you've completed the project. Projects can't be affiliated with a nonprofit or degree program, and can't be hosted at Bunnell Street Arts Center itself.

To apply you need to be an Alaska resident over 18 with a Social Security number. If you're leading a group project, you and most of your collaborators need to call Alaska home, and if you're pursuing an MFA or BFA, you can't be the lead applicant. Current-year awardees, people who didn't complete a past Ursa Major project, and Bunnell staff or board members aren't eligible.

Applications run through Submittable between September 1 and October 15, and ask for an eligibility form, a project description, a budget, and work samples — the fund also runs statewide information sessions and office hours if you want to talk it through first.

Reviewers look at three things: the artistic strength and originality of the idea, whether your timeline and plan are realistic, and whether the project genuinely engages and reflects the community it's meant for.