First Peoples Fund fellowship open to Alaska Native artists through July 15

Alaska Native artists have until July 15 to apply for a year-long fellowship that pairs grant funding with business development support.

The First Peoples Fund Artist in Business Leadership Fellowship targets independent Native artists who use artmaking to build or grow a business to support themselves and their families. The program is self-directed and includes network-building opportunities, professional development guidance, and grant funding for business needs. The Alaska State Council on the Arts listed the opportunity in its June 2026 newsletter.

First Peoples Fund describes the program as capacity-building rather than a straight arts grant. "This includes funding, mentoring, financial capability, and business development training aligned with their cultural values," the organization said on its program page.

The application window opened June 3 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time and closes July 15, 2026, at 5:59 p.m. Mountain Time. Artists can find application details through First Peoples Fund at firstpeoplesfund.org, or through the Alaska State Council on the Arts professional opportunities page at akarts.org/professionalops. The council also directs readers to akarts.org/ofnote for ongoing updates on all listed opportunities.