M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust provides a Transformative Step Toward a Local Arts Agency 

Anchorage, Alaska – [September 17, 2025] — Anchorage Concert Association (Anchorage Concerts) today announced it has been awarded a $261,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to support the development and implementation of INSPIRE Anchorage, Anchorage Concerts new arts agency program designed to strengthen the arts and culture ecosystem in Anchorage. This milestone grant marks a resounding affirmation of Anchorage’s vibrant arts scene and the growing recognition that the arts are vital to the city's civic and cultural life. 

For decades, Anchorage has been the only major city in Alaska without a dedicated nonprofit or municipal arts agency—despite consistent efforts across multiple mayoral administrations and local business groups. Anchorage Concerts is acting now to launch a transformative program that reflects the community’s energy and potential. 

“At a time when there is so much need for grant support—when arts organizations and community groups are navigating funding cuts and increasing demands—this level of investment is a significant boost for arts and culture in our community,” said Jason Hodges, Executive Director of the Anchorage Concert Association. “The Murdock Trust’s support allows us to accelerate the work of building shared capacity, improving coordination, and ensuring Anchorage’s arts and culture sector thrives.” 

What the grant will make possible 

With support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Anchorage Concerts will: 

• Launch and staff INSPIRE Anchorage operations, including coordination of the Anchorage Arts Alliance and sector roundtables. 

• Strengthen shared services and support, such as resource sharing, leadership development, and strategic planning assistance for artists and arts organizations. 

• Enhance connectivity and visibility through coordinated communications and storytelling that highlight Anchorage’s diverse arts identity. 

• Advocacy of arts and culture policy and needs across the community. 

About INSPIRE Anchorage 

INSPIRE Anchorage is Anchorage Concert Association’s arts agency initiative that strengthens Anchorage’s arts and culture ecosystem by connecting people and organizations, aligning efforts, and providing practical support and shared services. Core areas include networking and connectivity, leadership development, advocacy, resource sharing, and overall sector sustainability—all guided by community input and collaboration. 

About Anchorage Concert Association 

Anchorage Concert Association’s mission is to inspire and enhance community through the performing arts. Our vision is for all Alaskans to experience the arts, creating a more vibrant, connected, healthy, and enriched community. 

Anchorage Concerts presents regular seasons of 20–25 touring artists and events at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, along with a summer series of free concerts in parks across Anchorage and a two-day music festival at Hilltop Ski Area that celebrates local talent. In addition to performances, Anchorage Concerts supports community engagement and facilitates sector collaboration across Anchorage and Alaska. 

Media Contact: 
Mitchell Hansen 
Communications Director 
Anchorage Concert Association 
mhansen@anchorageconcerts.org | 907-272-1471 
anchorageconcerts.org