Dear Friends, 

It is hard to believe that October is almost over and that the Holiday season will be here soon. This summer, you received rapid-fire communications from our office regarding the state budget situation and requests for supporting the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA). I want to take the opportunity to provide an update, gratitude, and a request . 

 

The Update: 

After ASCA funding was vetoed by Governor Dunleavy and all ASCA staff were let go in mid-July, it was announced in mid-August that ASCA funding would in fact be retained; we would not be the only state in the nation without an arts agency after all. After a roller coaster journey for this advocacy issue, it came as a pleasant shock and a sigh of relief to artists, organizations, schools, and arts supporters. However, I think it is safe to say that there is still disappointment at the incredible disruption that occurred, and rebuilding that has become necessary as a result of agency's entire staff being let go. 

 

So, what has happened since then? 

ASCA's Executive Director, Andrea Noble, rejoined the organization and was recently joined by Laura Forbes, ASCA's Arts Education Program Director. These two long-time staff members have the unenviable job of piecing the office back together after a storm, but are well-equipped to do so. Welcome back Andrea and Laura!

 

What does this mean for ASCA grantees (like us) and the programs we offer? 

 

ASCA was fully funded for FY20, and therefore Fairbanks Arts and other ASCA grant recipients will eventually receive FY20 funds. While this happily means we will have operating support and are offering Artists in Schools residencies this year, the journey has been a bumpy one and has not been without damages. There is much work ahead to ensure that Fairbanks Arts and our affiliate arts organizations have the necessary support moving forward to continue providing programs and services that are important to our community. This also means communicating with our partners and supporters with candor about challenges, successes, and needs that come with providing such programs and services (think process shots rather than glamour shots).

 

The Gratitude: 

The restoration of the Alaska State Council on the Arts was a tremendous testament to the power of your collective voices. Individuals and organizations across the state (and nation) mobilized with a unified message that the arts and culture are core to our identity as Alaskans, integral to educational and economic success, and, for so many reasons, absolutely worthy of support. Thank you to everyone who raised voices in support of the arts, sent emails, wrote letters, made phone calls, and attended meeting after meeting in order to support ASCA. Your message that art matters was heard loud and clear. 

 

The Request: 

Please continue being an excellent supporter of causes you care about in your community in whatever ways you are able. I was humbled and grateful this summer to hear so many personal stories about histories, values, connections, and hopes as Alaskans stepped forward on many issues held dear. Please take a moment now to share your story with us about why the arts are important to you and why you care about living in a community that values the arts. 

Thank you for all that you do,

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Best of Show: J. Jason Lazarus, Absent Lake with Captive Conifer, Gakona, Alaska

Fairbanks Arts Association presents: Rarefied Light Sponsored by Alaska Photographic Center Opening Reception Friday, December 6, 5-7pm On View in the Bear Gallery  Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 28

October:  Mary Anne Fortune

November:  Teresa Shannon

December:  Brianna Reagan

Learn more about featured Gift Shop artists on our website.

 

For more information on our visual arts programs, visit our website, email [email protected] or call 456-6485 ext. 226.  

* Please note that there will be no literary reading during the month of December. Instead, visit the Bear Gallery gift shop and enjoy the many publications by local authors and start preparing your poetry to submit to the 25th Statewide Poetry Contest! 

For more information on our literary programs, visit our website, email [email protected] or call 456-6485 ext. 224.