Leadership Awards
Annual Awards
Each year, during the Annual Convention, Americans for the Arts presents the following Annual Leadership Awards in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field:
- Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award
For dramatically affecting the political landscape through arts advocacy efforts at the state level
- Donna S. Collins, Executive Director, Ohio Citizens for the Arts and Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, Columbus, OH
- Arts Education Award
For excellence in arts education program design and execution, as well as leadership
- Malissa Feruzzi Shriver, Executive Director, Turnaround Arts California, Los Angeles, CA
- American Express Emerging Leaders Award
For demonstrating exemplary leadership in the arts administration field by a new and/or young leader- Chris Appleton, Executive Director, WonderRoot, Atlanta, GA
- Michael Newton Award
For innovation in united arts fundraising by a community arts professional, volunteer, or organization
- Jim Clark, President & CEO, LexArts, Lexington, KY
- Public Art Network Award
For innovative and creative contributions and commitment in the field of public art
- Norie Sato, Artist
- Selina Roberts Ottum Award
For outstanding local leadership in the arts by a community arts professional or volunteer
- Robert Bush, President, Arts and Science Council, Charlotte, NC
- 2014 Destination Marketing Award
Americans for the Arts and Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) are pleased to honor the importance of a strong relationship between a community’s destination marketing organization and its arts organizations.
- Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau and United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County in North Carolina and Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Arts Alliance of Portage County in Wisconsin
Public Leadership in the Arts Awards
Presented at a variety of venues through the year, Public Leadership in the Arts Awards recognize elected officials who play a pivotal role in advancing the arts and arts education within their communities and whose vision and leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts.
Presented in cooperation with the United States Conference of Mayors
- Congressional Arts Leadership Award
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Rep. James P. Moran (D-VA) - National Award for Local Arts Leadership
Mayor Roy Buol (D- Dubuque, IA)
Mayor Don Plusquellic (D- Akron, OH) - National Award for State Arts Leadership Award
Indiana Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann
Presented in cooperation with the National Lieutenant Governors Association
- Lieutenant Governor Arts Leadership Award
Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann (R-IN)
Presented in cooperation with the National Association of Counties
- County Arts Leadership Award
Clayton County (GA)