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
- Brad Erickson, Executive Director, Theatre Bay Area, San Francisco, California
- Arts Education Award
For excellence in arts education program design and execution, as well as leadership
- Laura Perille, CEO, EdVestors, Boston, MA
- American Express Emerging Leaders Award
For demonstrating exemplary leadership in the arts administration field by a new and/or young leader- Octavia Yearwood, CEO/Director, Team Ohhh, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL
- The Robert E. Gard Award
For exemplary work at the intersection of the arts and community life- ArtsMemphis Community Engagement Fellowship
- Michael Newton Award
For innovation in united arts fundraising by a community arts professional, volunteer, or organization
- Flora Maria Garcia, President and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, Maitland, FL
- Public Art Network Award
For innovative and creative contributions and commitment in the field of public art
- Barbara Goldstein, Independent consultant, creative placemaking and public art planning, San Francisco, CA
- Selina Roberts Ottum Award
For outstanding local leadership in the arts by a community arts professional or volunteer
- Michael Spring, Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami, FL
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
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR) - National Award for Local Arts Leadership
Mayor Buddy Dyer (Orlando, FL)
Mayor Helene Schneider (Santa Barbara, CA) - National Award for State Arts Leadership
Jerry Brown (CA) - National Artist Advocacy Award
Ledisi
Presented in partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures
- State Arts Leadership Award
Founding Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Arts & Culture Caucus
Presented in partnership with the National Lieutenant Governors Association
- Lieutenant Governor Arts Leadership Award
Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds (IA)
Presented in partnership with the National Association of Counties
- County Arts Leadership Award
County Executive Dow Constantine (King County, WA)