Polar Lab Artist-in-Residence/Fellow
The Polar Lab program focuses on the contemporary and future North, with a special emphasis on art, environment and artists as researchers. Projects are longer-term in nature, with residencies ranging from one year to three years.
There is currently no open call. Check back here or on social media for updates.
Polar Lab Collective
Polar Lab Collective s a program for emerging Alaska Native artists to study the collections of the Anchorage Museum and the objects in the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center's Living Our Cultures exhibition. The program provides an opportunity for artists to find inspiration, insights and technical information from the collections through close-up research and documentation contributing to the collaborative relationship between artists and museums.
Up to three participants are selected annually. An honorarium and travel funds are available for those living outside Anchorage. Selected artists participate in a three-part program:
- Meet with Museum curatorial and collections staff (in person or by phone) to discuss potential research interests;
- Spend two days at the Museum meeting with curatorial and collections staff and studying objects and archival resources; and
- Provide evaluation and reflection to share the experience with the program and to answer any follow-up questions.
Eligibility: Emerging Alaska Native artists (any medium) — those who are in the early stages of their careers, have specialized training (formally or informally); and have created a modest body of work.
There is currently no open call. Check back here or on social media for updates.
SEED Lab
SEED Lab puts creative practitioners in service of and in partnership with the community in proposing solutions to challenges facing Northern places, people and climate and in establishing the North as a catalyst for change. We work with creative practitioners from Alaska and around the world.
Creative Practitioners wanting to propose a project or idea can participate in SEED Lab pitch events, which are held two or three times annually.
The next pitch event is scheduled for May 4.
Creative Researcher
The Anchorage Museum is a hub for curious and creative minds across disciplines.
If you are an artist, academic, writer, scientist, educator or otherwise interested in conducting research in our archives and collections, please submit your proposal via email to polarlab@anchoragemuseum.org. Include your name, area of interest, timeline of research and proposed scope of research.
email Polar Lab
Unbound: Words off the Page
Experimental live events take words off the page through explorations of language, writing, storytelling, and verbal expression. Invited authors, academics, storytellers, poets, and other wordsmiths perform and present.
Upcoming Unbound events, forthcoming open mic events, and instructions for sign up coming soon.
Unbound: Live in the Planetarium
Musicians and performing artists activate the Thomas Planetarium at the Anchorage Museum with immersive sound and visuals. Typically held during the summer, Unbound: Live in the Planetarium presents local and international artists through invitation.
See schedule
Unbound Records: Sound + Music Releases
The Anchorage Museum produces vinyl records, cassette tapes, flexi disks and other media under the label Unbound. Unbound Records invites sound artists and musicians to participate in unique projects that present stories, research and content about Alaska and the North through nontraditional forms.
Recent Releases
Live Music
The Museum hosts musicians through many events and programs, including Elevator Music, Lunch on the Lawn, Polar Nights, in Muse Restaurant, and other iterations.
If you’d like to express your interest in being part of the musical rolodex, please email museum@anchoragemuseum.org. You may not receive a response to your submission, but please be assured you’re your information has been retained and if opportunities seem like a good fit or the schedule has an opening, someone from the museum will contact you.
email us
PolarFest Meetup & Market
(formerly Crafted in Alaska and Crafts Weekend)
November weekend following Thanksgiving
Introducing PolarFest, a new annual event featuring local creatives and showcasing art, fashion, design, craft, vinyl, stickers, snow-celebration objects, books and other creative publications, recycled and upcycled items, polar vendors, a repair workshop, and entrepreneurial products and ventures.
Form to propose being a creative-ware vendor with a booth, a performer or DJ coming soon.
Artist Training & Workshops
Continuing Education Opportunities
The Anchorage Museum offers a variety of classes that support the professional development of creative professionals. Discover upcoming Profession + Practice Continuing Education Classes designed for artists, makers, designers, and other creatives at any stage in their career.