awards for arts achievement
Each year, Americans for the Arts presents awards to honor those who are committed to building communities through the arts. Awards fall into three categories: Americans for the Arts Annual Awards, recognizing leaders in the field; National Arts Awards, recognizing high-profile artists and philanthropists; and National Public Leadership in the Arts Awards, recognizing public officials.
Americans for the Arts Annual Awards
Presented each year in conjunction with Americans for the Arts Annual Convention, Americans for the Arts Annual Awards recognize the achievements of individuals, organizations, or programs committed to enriching their communities through the arts. Awards are presented in the following areas:
- Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award
- Arts Education Award
- American Express Emerging Leader Award
- Michael Newton Award for United Arts Funds Leadership
- Selina Roberts Ottum Award for Arts Leadership
- Public Art Network Award
To nominate yourself or a colleague and to review the rules and regulations, please link to the respective awards listed above for specific selection criteria and nomination forms. Nominations must be received by by 5:00 p.m. (EST) on March 21, 2012. 2012 award winners will be announced at the 2012 Americans for the Arts Annual Convention and posted online June 22, 2012. Individual award links list past honorees.
National Arts Awards
Americans for the Arts recognizes private-sector arts leadership nationally at our National Arts Awards in New York City, held annually every fall in the following categories:
- Arts Advocacy Award
- Arts Education Award
- Corporate Citizenship in the Arts Award
- Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts
- Isabella and Theodor Dalenson Lifetime Achievement Award
- The Bell Family Foundation Young Artist Award
- Outstanding Contributions to the Arts Award
- Special Recognition Award
Not all categories are awarded each year.
National Award for Public Leadership in the Arts
These awards are given in recognition of elected officials whose role in advancement of the arts and arts education within their communities and whose vision and leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts.
- Congressional Arts Leadership
- Governors Arts Leadership
- Lieutenant Governors Arts Leadership
- State Legislature Arts Leadership
- Local Arts Leadership
- County Arts Leadership