Volunteer in Fairbanks Arts Association

In 1965 a group of determined individuals began meetings to establish the nonprofit, Alaska Association for the Arts. Incorporated in 1966 as the only arts association in the state, its mission was to grow appreciation of the arts in AK. The Alaska Association for the Arts board was the driving force behind establishing the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the construction of the Alaskaland Civic Center (later renamed Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts).

In 1983, Alaska Association for the Arts officially changed its name to Fairbanks Arts Association. Over the years, Fairbanks Arts Association has provided financial assistance to local arts organizations and has fostered the formation of new ones. As the official arts organization for both the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the City of Fairbanks, Fairbanks Arts is a provider of service, information, and technical support to local artists, arts organizations, and the community.

Fairbanks Arts provides programming in performing arts, literary arts, visual arts, and arts education. Dedicated volunteers serve on committees and help to steer the course of quality programming in Performing, Literary, Visual, and Educational Arts.

Performing Arts – Our performing arts programming is most active during the summer, with our Gazebo Night concert series. Gazebo Nights are regular performances that typically take place in June, July, and August and feature storytelling, jazz, country rock, and so much more.

Literary Arts – The Literary Arts Committee invites authors to share their works with the community with the monthly Literary Reading Series. The Literary Reading Series is the oldest reading series in the state of Alaska. Our Literary Arts programming also includes the Annual Statewide Poetry Contest, writing workshops, and a Community Writers critique group, so local writers can help each other hone their craft.

Visual Arts – Visual programming at Fairbanks Arts Association includes managing an exhibit space (the Bear Gallery), offering workshops, and connecting visual artists to resources.

Arts Education – Our Arts in Education program is a multifaceted effort that operates several programs aimed at increasing student access to the arts. These programs include the Artists in Schools program within the FNSBSD and School Performances. Fairbanks Arts matches artists to schools for several weeks of artistic residency in the Artists in Schools (AIS) program within the FNSBSD; thirty weeks of residency are offered throughout the academic year. AIS residencies are active studies that span traditional and contemporary art forms including music, dance, traditional Alaska Native art, media and digital arts, visual arts, literary art, and drama. Our School Performances program is offered in collaboration with local affiliate organizations and provides students the opportunity to attend quality, live performances. Fairbanks Arts conducts administration for school participation through the promotion and coordination of student attendance to performances by partner organizations.