Alaska Literary Awards 2021

The Alaska Literary Awards recognize and support writers of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and mixed genres. Established in 2014 by the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation through a gift from Peggy Shumaker and Joe Usibelli, the program is administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. A select number of $5,000 awards will be awarded annually.

Eligibility is limited to Alaska residents who are 18 years of age or older and not full-time students or enrolled in any art-related degree or certification program. Applicants must be legal residents of Alaska pursuing their art form on an ongoing basis. Quality of the work submitted is the primary consideration in determining award recipients. There are no restrictions on the writer's use of the award and no formal report is required.

Applications must include a brief description of how the award will advance your writing, a current resume or CV, an indication of genre, and work samples completed within the last two years. Poets should submit up to 10 poems; prose writers up to 15 pages of fiction or creative nonfiction; playwrights/screenwriters up to 15 pages of one script or multiple brief scripts; mixed genre writers up to 15 pages of literary writing. Up to 2 optional images may be included. All work samples must be combined into one Word document or PDF file with the applicant's name on the first page. A panel comprised of writers in the relevant disciplines will review applications based on literary quality, demonstrated artistic activity and focus, and the extent to which the award will further the applicant's literary career. Award recipients will be notified by November 30, 2021. Recipients must expend fellowship funds by June 30, 2022, maintain Alaska residency throughout the fellowship year, and provide a letter describing how the award supported their work by June 30, 2022.