About Denali Arts Council
MISSION
We value Diversity, Artistry and Community. We create and nurture community-based opportunities for artistic expression.
The Focus
Arts opportunities by and for the community. We strive to have individuals involved at all levels: participating in the arts, behind the scenes, volunteering, supporting and attending events. Although we do a little bit of presenting visiting talent, our mission and operations is largely locally produced arts. We are guided by the articles and bylaws established by the founders in 1981. We are also guided by the strategic plan that is revised annually.
Background
Denali Arts Council (DAC) was founded in 1981. Denali Drama and Green Light Circus were the first programs created, driving the formation of DAC. The other programs were born in later years, from the passion of community members who wanted to expand opportunities. The Sheldon Community Arts Hangar was acquired in the 90s, and after renovation, opened in 2004.
Who We Serve
Although located in Talkeetna, Denali Arts Council serves the entire northern Susitna Valley. Approximately 5,300 full-time residents live within the area, with the population swelling substantially in the summer. It is an area with a concentration of artists and a strong base of support for the arts. Art funding in the schools is limited so DAC often partners with area schools.
VOLUNTEERS
Artistic programming is driven by volunteers. In fact, aside from the administration, most of the arts happen through volunteers. Community members play many roles: actors, tech crew, facility maintenance, landscaping, plowing, bartenders, admissions, event organizers, set construction, make-up, costumes, serving on the board and more.
Volunteer
MEMBERS
Over 300 individuals are members of Denali Arts Council. Membership is a vital source of financial support as well as volunteerism.
Become a member
SUPPORT
Denali Arts Council is funded by private, corporate and foundation memberships and donations, Alaska State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Board of Directors
Chair – Troy Smiley
Vice Chair – Melissa Brazeau
Secretary – Meredith Magher
Tennelle Wise
Rebecca Korpi
Laura Caillet
Debra Whitecar
Phillip Manning
Rebekah Mathiesen
The DAC board comprises a maximum of nine members, each serving three-year terms, with an average of three seats open for reelection at our annual member meeting in October. Our commitment to the success of the Denali Arts Council lies in maintaining a diverse and well-rounded board that mirrors the community they serve and offers a wide range of skills. We extend a warm invitation to individuals interested in board service to learn about our organization, sit in on a board meeting and apply at any time.
These dedicated board members convene on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. Our meetings are open to the public and typically held at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, with occasional sessions at the Talkeetna Library. For location confirmation, please tune in to KTNA Talkeetna 88.9FM or contact the Denali Arts Council directly.
While we welcome input from attendees during these meetings, we encourage those interested to reach out to the Denali Arts Council in advance.
CONTACT
Denali Arts Council
PO Box 404
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Tel: (907) 733-7929
info@denaliartscouncil.org
VISIT
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
Downtown Talkeetna, behind the Post Office
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
DAC is a non profit 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization: EIN 92-0083375
We use Neon One CRM as our membership management software
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.
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