We see a future in which Alaska is an international hub of northern music, arts, and culture.

MusicAlaska elevates Alaska music and supports Alaskan musicians.

Originally called AKIMI, the Alaska Independent Musicians Initiative, we are an independent project of the Northern Culture Exchange, a not-for-profit organization. MusicAlaska’s founding board is currently taking steps to incorporate as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Alaska is an extraordinary place with a legacy of producing extraordinary musicians.

We see incredible opportunity in the richness of our music community. The artists and workers who make up our music scene are diverse, multi-talented, and willing to overcome all obstacles to make incredible moments almost routine. AKIMI believes the resilience and ingenuity of our music makers deserves support, resources, and celebration, and that our artists and festivals ought to be known here at home as well as on the global stage.

Develop, brand, and export Alaskan music.

Together with our partners, we facilitate in-depth social and economic research, we host educational opportunities, we create music playlists, we host artist showcases and fundraisers, we invite visits from expert industry professionals, and we encourage networking events to make it easier for Alaska’s musicians to build professional careers.

If it involves learning about our own music scene, getting musicians resources, connecting our musicians with opportunities and with each other, or sharing out Alaskan music with the world, AKIMI is willing to make it happen.

who we are

Driven by Alaskan musicians

MusicAlaska, originally AKIMI, is a diverse group of musicians, stakeholders and partners from around the state working together to increase the stakes for Alaskan musicians. MusicAlaska originally formed in 2017 as a collaboration between Spenard Jazz Fest and the Parlor in the Round concert series, and it developed by hosting the Alaska Music Summit and making it possible for Alaskan artists to present at global music conferences and showcases.

During COVID, our focus shifted to pandemic relief, music policy, and the absence of data about the music sector in Alaska. Most economic activity generated by musicians is credited to other industries, and most policy affecting music isn’t made with music in mind. In 2021 and 2022, AKIMI partnered with local and global experts in data and music ecosystems to document the actual scope and size of the music industry in Alaska, and to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music sector.

In 2023, the Alaska Music Summit returned after a pandemic hiatus, and the first-ever Alaska Music Census was completed over the summer, making the possible the first estimate of the economic activity generated by our music scene, as well as a better understanding of who participates statewide.

In 2025, MusicAlaska plans to participate in more music policy advocacy on regional, local, and state levels. We are also preparing to build frameworks to better connect our independent music scene with statewide public radio, with filmmakers, and with our tourism industry.