Anchorage city’s arts community, with more than 75 organizations offering cultural experiences ranging from classical music to native dance, provides a striking contrast to the surrounding wilderness. The Anchorage Concert Association, founded in 1950 to bring international performers to local audiences, is still active, sponsoring about 22 music, dance, and theatre productions each year.

Anchorage does not lack for arts and entertainment; the city had a symphony before it had paved streets. Fall, winter and spring evenings and weekends are filled with local and touring performers ranging from Broadway musicals to choral, theatre and dance groups. The fascinating heritage, stories and survival skills of the Alaska Native people are portrayed in everyday life across Anchorage and Alaska through storytelling, song, dance and art.

The Native people of Alaska use the traditional cycle of knowledge that has united and helped Alaska Native societies survive across generations. In Anchorage there are many opportunities to experience Alaska Native arts and culture.