Description
The Alaska Arts & Culture Foundation (AACF) was incorporated in Alaska in 2001 as a 501(c)3, non-profit, educational organization. AACF currently manages four funds to support the arts in Alaska: The Connie Boochever Arts Endowment; the Helen Walker Performing Artists Fund; the Alaska Literary Awards; and the Margaret Nick Cooke Award for Alaska Native Arts & Languages.
Purpose
To develop resources and provide services to support the arts in Alaska and advance the mission of the Alaska State Council on the Arts.
History
The Alaska Arts & Culture Foundation was formed in 2001 to enhance and support the mission of the Alaska State Council on the Arts by managing endowments and other arts activities that do not fall under the purview of the Council. The catalyst for forming the foundation was a donation from the Boochever family in honor of Connie Boochever, a longtime supporter of the Arts in Alaska and originating member and chairperson for the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) for many years. The Foundation’s Bylaws were written and the organization officially incorporated in 2001. Originating board members were: Helen Howarth, John Brower, Linda Boochever, and Charlotte Fox.
In 2002, the board was expanded to include Chris Cooke, Jeffrey Herrmann and Kesler Woodward. The first round of Connie Boochever Artist Fellowships were given that year and since then 45 Fellowships have been awarded. The Program has developed a schedule for the competition of every other year along with alternating arts categories. The 11th round of Connie Boochever Artist Fellowships for emerging artists was held in September 2021.
In 2003, Nancy Harbour joined the board, and in 2006, Arts Alaska transferred the Helen Walker Performing Arts Fund to the organization to be managed by the Foundation. In 2009, the Margaret Nick Cooke Award for Alaska Native Arts & Languages became the third arts endowment to be managed by the Foundation. In 2014, the Alaska Literary Arts Awards were established by the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, through a generous gift from Peggy Shumaker and Joe Usibelli. The first round of winners was announced that year. The Alaska Literary awards are held annually with a select number of monetary prizes in the amount of $5,000 each.
The Foundation co-sponsors the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities. It was contracted by the city to administer the Municipal Arts Advisory Commission grants for five years and administered the Rasmuson Arts Education Initiative for several years as well.
Board of Directors
Asia Freeman, President/CEO (Homer)
April G.L. Counceller, Vice President (Kodiak)
Adelheid “Micky” Becker (Anchorage)
Linda Boochever (Portland, OR)
Norm Campbell (Sitka)
Chris Cooke (Anchorage)
Dewey Kk’ołeyo Putyuk Hoffman (Anchorage)
Shelly Laws (Anchorage)
Kirsten Newby (Anchorage)
Andrea Noble (Ex officio member)
Zach Stenson (Palmer)
Past Board Members
Charlotte Fox, 2001 – 2022
Helen Howarth, Ex Officio, 2001 – 2003
Ira Perman, 2003 – 2012
Jayson Smart, 2011 – 2016
Jeffrey Herrmann, 2002 – 2006
John Brower, 2001 – 2010 (President)
Kes Woodward, 2002 – 2022
Nancy Harbour, 2003 – 2015
Peggy Shumaker, 2016 – 2023
Shannon Daut, Ex Officio, January 2012 – May 2016
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