Ammon Swenson, Alaska Public Media
Ammon Swenson is Alaska Public Media’s Audio Media Content Producer. He was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He graduated from UAA in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and integrated media. He’s previously worked for KRUA radio, the Anchorage Press, and The Northern Light.
State of Art: Relive Anchorage’s first full-length classical music concert with this virtual re-enactment and lecture
On this week's episode of State of Art, we hear from Anchorage Festival of Music artistic director Laura Koenig. We find out what it took to not only put this event together 100 years later, but also the research of the original concert and its performers.
The Future of Education in a Post-Pandemic World
The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, work and learn and has required school leaders and teachers to work tirelessly to maintain student learning amidst constant changes and uncertainty. Join this discussion with AKWorld and Professor Yong Zhao to consider the future of schooling and the positive opportunities for change as a result of the pandemic.
Hear Anchorage mayoral candidates discuss youth issues in this virtual forum
On Tuesday, April 6, Anchorage voters will choose the city's mayor. The next person to hold the office faces the continued COVID-19 pandemic, a struggling economy, and other new and legacy city issues.
The Dance of Peace: South Korea and Alaska Reducing Tensions and Prompting Peace
Join AKWorld for a critical conversation focusing on the diplomatic, political, economic, and cultural circumstances on the Korean Peninsula, as well as broadening and deepening understanding of the U.S.-Korea relations. From a decades-old military alliance to deep economic ties and a large and vibrant Korean-American community, the linkages between the United States and the Korean Peninsula remain as important as ever.
State of Art: The Alaska Virtual Symphony wont let distance hold them back
The COVID-19 pandemic forced arts groups of all kinds to pivot and reevaluate how they can continue to create, but also reach audiences. The Alaska Virtual Symphony was organized to give musicians much needed opportunities to learn, connect and perform from anywhere in the state. Regardless of age and experience participants join in weekly via video conference for lessons and prepare for virtual concerts.
Black in the military in Alaska
This week on State of Art we have a community conversation from the Alaska Black Caucus. Local veterans share their experiences about what their service was like and give advice to the next generation.
State of Art: Anchorage rockers Photonak want to bring light to dark times
Photonak is one of those bands that come across as totally genuine in their mission and respect for each other. With their debut album "Tempered," the band hunkered down in their home studio and turned out a highly produced piece of sprawling rock and roll.
Hear the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2021 economic forecast
The COVID-19 pandemic and a continued recession was tough on the Anchorage economy in 2020. Job losses permeated nearly every business sector and consumer confidence is low, but 2021 could show some improvement.
Celebrate Black History Month with the Alaska Black Caucus and more
This week on Addressing Alaskans we're celebrating Black History Month. This episode features an hour of speakers, profiles and stories, including a virtual event hosted by the Alaska Black Caucus.
How we can be culturally responsive in the era of Black Lives Matter
This week on Addressing Alaskans we're hearing a moderated conversation between educators and community leaders about how to best enact culturally responsive teaching methods. The speakers share personal stories and their expertise in this "Community Conversation" from the Alaska Black Caucus.
State of Art: Miss the Anchorage Folk Fest this year? Check out these open mic performances.
The 32nd annual Anchorage Folk Festival was held virtually this year. Despite the pandemic, they persevered and came through with as close an approximation of the festival that we've come to know and love.
State of Art: Alaska author Don Rearden gets poetic in “Without a Paddle”
In his first published collection of poetry Rearden covers everything from tiny moments in time to Alaska memories to big picture reflections. He tells us about making poetry accessible, the lasting influence of growing up in rural Alaska, and what makes him a poet with a lowercase "p."
State of Art: RKP Productions and Anchorage Community Theater team up for “Bush Poet”
This week on State of Art we're hearing about "Bush Poet," a play written and directed by Dick Reichman. The play features Mark Robokoff as a gruff and solitary Alaskan who meets a young boy, played by Mason Dolphin, whose parents work at a nearby lodge.
State of Art: Check out the debut album from Anchorage’s Photonak
On December 17th, Anchorage rockers Photonak released "Tempered."
State of Art: Pipeline Vocal Project wants to spread a cappella love across Alaska
This homegrown a cappella trio's mission is to sing, perform, and educate. From virtual performances and an active social media to workshops and singing telegrams, Pipeline Vocal Project has a lot going on, but they're just getting started.
Hear how Alaska’s own Ninja Warrior tackles life’s obstacles
This week on Addressing Alaskans we're hearing from Nick ‘Iligutchiak’ Hanson, better known as " The Eskimo Ninja" from the T.V. show "American Ninja Warrior." Hanson was the first Inuit to compete on the physically demanding show requiring contestants to maneuver through a high-tech obstacle course. His experiences growing up around substance abuse and mental illness in rural Alaska made him want to share his story, bridge cultural divides, and inspire the next generation.
State of Art: Celebrate 40 years of Alaska Quarterly Review with these live readings
This week on State of Art we have poetry from the Alaska Quarterly Review. In celebration of its 40 years, the literary journal and the Anchorage Museum teamed up to host 21 live online reading and discussion events featuring contributors to AQR.
Can’t decide on Ballot Measure 2? Listen to this debate about the future of Alaska’s elections
This week on Addressing Alaskans we're hearing a debate about Ballot Measure 2, regarding ranked-choice voting and campaign finance disclosures. Proponents say Alaskans need more options and transparency in their elections. Opponents say the initiative would make voting unnecessarily complicated.
State of Art: Learn about the man behind the monsters with Anchorage Community Theater’s “Karloff”
This week on State of Art we're hearing about Anchorage Community Theater's production of "Karloff." The play tells the story of William Henry Pratt, better known as the actor Boris Karloff, who played Frankenstein's monster in the 1931 film. "Karloff" is a biographical one-man play lead by Matt Fernandez and directed by Devin Merilatt. They join us to talk about the Karloff the man, his connection with Alaska, and not giving up.
Can’t decide on Ballot Measure 1? Listen to this debate on Alaska’s oil tax future
This week on Addressing Alaskans we're hearing a debate about Ballot Measure 1, the North Slope oil production tax increase initiative. Proponents say that oil companies need to pay their fair share, while those in opposition say increasing taxes would cost Alaska jobs.