Wednesday, October 28, 2015

For tomorrow: 30th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards

Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) have announced the special honorees and finalists of the 30th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards.  The awards represent the highest honor conferred by the District of Columbia in recognition of artistic excellence and service. 
 
"Washington, DC continues to be a national arts leader with a thriving creative economy," said Mayor Bowser. "It is my pleasure to honor individuals and organizations that contribute so much to our culturally rich neighborhoods and vibrant arts community."
 
An award ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2015, 7 p.m. at the Historic Lincoln Theatre at 1215 U Street, NW.  Citizen Cope and Motown artist Kevin Ross will also perform. This is always a GREAT party and great entertainment!
 
The finalists for the 30th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards include:
 
Excellence in an Artistic Discipline
●       Joy Ford Austin
●       Coyaba Dance Theater
●       The National Hand Dance Association
●       Pan American Symphony Orchestra
●       Split This Rock
●       RenĂ©e Stout (She better win or someone is getting their butt kicked!)
 
Excellence in Service to the Arts
●       BloomBars
●       DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
●       Washington, DC Film Festival
●       Women in Film & Video
 
Innovation in the Arts
●       826DC
●       The Embassy Series
●       Southeast Boy Productions
●       Washington Performing Arts Society
 
Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education
●       Inner City - Inner Child
●       The Lab School of Washington
●       Washington Performing Arts Society
●       Young Playwrights' Theater
 
Outstanding Emerging Artist
●       Jay Coleman
●       Company E, Inc.
●       Adam Davies
●       Robert Person
 
Excellence in Arts Teaching
●       Lauren Bomba (Maury Elementary School)
●       Carmen Jenkins Frazier (School Without Walls)
●       Terry Thomas (Seaton Elementary School)
 
In addition to awardees, special recognition will be given to several individuals and organizations for their outstanding support of arts, humanities, entertainment and creative industries. These individuals include:
  • Molly Smith, Artistic Director, Arena Stage - Impact on Culture and Humanities 
  • Peggy Cooper Cafritz, Arts Advocate - Lifetime Achievement 
  • Dr. Sachiko Kuno & Dr. Ryuji Ueno, S&R Foundation - Visionary Leadership 
  • Dolores Kendrick, Poet Laureate of Washington, DC - Special Recognition 
  • Street Sense, publication - Humanitarian Highlight

The ceremony will be open to the public.  For more information, visit, http://dcarts.dc.gov/page/30th-annual-mayors-arts-awards-about