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Mayor LaFrance and Anchorage Community Development Authority announce first Beyond the Beige awards
Today, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and the Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA) announced five 2025 grant recipients for Beyond the Beige — a municipal public arts initiative launched earlier this year.
The Beyond the Beige program will bring bright and engaging artwork to Anchorage’s public spaces through community collaboration. Through the initiative, five local projects — most of which are the result of two or more community entities working in partnership — have been selected to receive funding totaling $100,000, awarded jointly by ACDA and the Municipality. These projects reflect the spirit of Beyond the Beige by boosting the vibrancy and appeal of these shared spaces in the community.
“This program is about pride of place,” said Mayor LaFrance. “Public art connects our community, creates joy in everyday places, and reflects who we are to each other. Thank you to all the partners, artists, and neighborhoods working together to show the value and beauty of our community.”
The Beyond the Beige program is a long-term investment in Anchorage’s visual identity, public gathering spaces, and creative economy. By encouraging collaboration between artists, nonprofits, neighborhoods, and civic institutions, the initiative supports a more connected and vibrant Anchorage — one project at a time. The five projects selected in this inaugural round represent a range of neighborhoods, artistic styles, and community engagement strategies.
“These projects exemplify what’s possible when we invest in the people and places that make Anchorage unique,” said Mike Robbins, Executive Director of the Anchorage Community Development Authority. “Public art drives economic vitality by supporting local artists, attracting foot traffic, and strengthening neighborhood identity. Beyond the Beige is not just beautifying our city — it’s fueling partnerships that turn creativity into community growth.”
The Mayor would like to thank the entire selection committee for their work in assessing the projects, including the ACDA Executive Director, representatives from ACDA Board of Directors, the Municipal Arts Advisory Commission, and ACDA and Mayor’s Office staff.
2025 Beyond the Beige Awardees
- Anchorage Park Foundation – Open-Air Art Project
A collaboration between the Alaska Book Mobile, Anchorage Parks Foundation, Airport Heights and Spenard Community Councils, and the Alaska Mural Project, this year-long initiative will bring art and cultural pop-ups to multiple parks and trails throughout the community. The project is a combination of public art and mobile cultural experiences to help people reimagine parks and trails as spaces for connection, creativity, and year-round gatherings. Initial sites include Tikishla Park and Kiwanis Fish Creek Park, with winter activations at Westchester Lagoon, Cuddy Midtown Park, Kincaid Park, and more.
Award: $30,000 - McKinley Care LLC & Crystal Worl – McKinley Tower Mural
Renowned Tlingit/Athabascan artist Crystal Worl will create “Raven Dreams of a Salmon Return,” a large-scale mural on the south face of the historic McKinley Tower. At over 27 feet high and 41 feet wide, this mural will transform a prominent downtown wall into a vibrant work of public art and showcase the raven, one of Alaska’s most legendary protagonists.
Award: $25,000 - Anchorage Economic Development Corporation – Alaska Mural Project
In partnership with the Affordable Housing and Land Trust, this project will deliver a 1,100-square-foot “Welcome to Anchorage” mural, offering a colorful first impression for visitors and a warm, familiar greeting for residents.
Award: $23,000 -
Northeast Community Council – Functional Animal Sculptures
Local animal-shaped bike racks — inspired by Alaska wildlife — will be installed in Northeast Anchorage parks, supporting both utility and play.
Award: $12,000 -
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation & Peach Holdings – Cabin Fever Public Art Project
Downtown construction fencing at the Block 41 site on 4th & G Street will become a rotating outdoor gallery, starting with 40 pieces of original art. The 5 by 8-foot pieces will eventually be gifted or auctioned throughout the community. This project transforms a utilitarian space into a platform for local artists.
Award: $10,000
Municipality of Anchorage
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Emily Goodykoontz
- July 23, 2025
- (907) 205-6683
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