Leadership Awards
Annual Awards
Each year, during the Annual Convention, Americans for the Arts presents the following Annual 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
- John Schratwieser, Director, Kent County Arts Council
- Arts Education Award
For excellence in arts education program design and execution, as well as leadership
- Sarah Johnson, Director, Weill Music Institute
- American Express Emerging Leaders Award
For demonstrating exemplary leadership in the arts administration field by a new and/or young leader- Kevin Seaman, Artist/Administrator, Bring Your Own Queer
- The Robert E. Gard Award for the Arts in Community Life
For exemplary work at the intersection of the arts and community life- RedCan Jam
- Michael Newton Award for Innovative Arts and Business Partnerships
For innovation in united arts fundraising by a community arts professional, volunteer, or organization
- Guillerma Gonzalez, Executive Director, Delaware Arts Alliance
- Public Art Network Award
For innovative and creative contributions and commitment in the field of public art
- Cath Brunner, Director of Public Art, 4Culture
- Selina Roberts Ottum Award for Arts Leadership
For outstanding local leadership in the arts by a community arts professional or volunteer
- Laura Zucker, Former Executive Director, Los Angeles County Commission
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 partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors:
- Congressional Arts Leadership Award
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) - National Award for Local Arts Leadership
Mayor Satish Hiremath (Oro Valley, AZ)
Mayor Marty Walsh (Boston, MA) - National Award for Governors Arts Leadership
Governor Andrew Cuomo (NY) - Citizen Artist Award
Pitbull
Presented in partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures:
- State Arts Leadership Award
Founding Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania Arts & Culture Caucus
Presented in partnership with the National Lieutenant Governors Association:
- Lieutenant Governor Arts Leadership Award
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser (LA)
Presented in partnership with the National Association of Counties:
- County Arts Leadership Award
Commissioner Randy Maluchnik (Carver County, MN)