Francesca Du Brock, Chief Curator at the Anchorage Museum, Receives the Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History

Francesca Du Brock, the chief curator of the Anchorage Museum, has been awarded the 2025 Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History for her innovative and inclusive approach to exhibition curation. An accomplished educator and artist, Du Brock embodies a spirit of collaboration and community engagement.

Deeply rooted in her community, Du Brock’s work emphasizes social engagement, storytelling linked to specific places, and a commitment to environmental justice. “My strong connection to people and place drives and inspires everything I do,” she says.

Most recently, Du Brock curated the exhibition How to Survive, a 7,500-square-foot display that evolved from a previous exploration of northern feminism. This exhibition features art from 16 women and nonbinary artists, alongside installations of Alaska Native cultural artifacts and a materials library.

The forthcoming catalog for How to Survive, which Du Brock is editing, delves into survival themes through collective care and reflects on concepts of interconnectedness, listening, and stewardship.