Overview

Learn about award categories, eligibility, the nomination process and tips for submitting a strong 2026 Mayor’s Awards nomination.

Denver Arts & Venues is hosting a virtual information session for individuals, organizations, creative businesses and community members interested in the 2026 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

The session will provide an overview of the award categories, eligibility requirements, nomination process, application questions and review criteria. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn how to submit a strong nomination.

This event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams.

If you cannot attend, a recording will be available on the Denver Arts & Venues YouTube channel.

 

Program: 2026 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture
Applications/Nominations: Now Open
DEADLINE: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:59 P.M. MST
Award Notification: Mid-September
Information Session Platform: Microsoft Teams
Presented by: Shanna Shelby

 

About the Mayor’s Awards

Since 1986, the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture have honored individuals and organizations making significant and lasting contributions to Denver’s creative community.

The awards recognize individuals, organizations, creative businesses and programs whose work reflects the DENVER CREATES Commitments and contributes to the vibrancy, diversity and cultural strength of Denver.

Award Categories

Access in Arts & Culture
Recognizes work that strengthens access to arts and culture in Denver.

Community in Arts & Culture
Recognizes work that strengthens Denver’s cultural community and supports a vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem.

Economic Vitality in Arts & Culture
Recognizes work that strengthens Denver’s cultural sector and contributes to the city’s economic vitality.

Youth Impact in Arts & Culture
Recognizes a young person age 24 or younger contributing to arts and culture or work that positively impacts Denver youth through the arts.

Vibrant Denver Award in Arts & Culture
Recognizes exceptional leadership, service and vision that advances the vibrancy and well-being of Denver.

Eligibility

Awards are open to eligible individuals, organizations, creative businesses and programs.

What Awardees Receive

Awardees will receive:

• A $2,500 honorarium
• An original award artwork created by a local artist
• A professionally produced video highlighting their work
• An invitation to the Mayor’s Awards ceremony for the awardee and up to four guests

The video will premiere during the ceremony and will be provided to the awardee afterward for use on their website and promotional channels.

Nomination, Selection and Notification

A single form will be used for all nominations, including self-nominations and nominations submitted on behalf of others. Nominators will select the award category that best fits the nominee, with guidance provided in the form.

Eligible nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee using a standardized rubric. Reviewers will consider community impact, alignment with the selected category, equity, innovation and leadership.

Final award recipients will be determined through the review process. Award notification is anticipated in mid-September.

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Learn more about Denver Arts & Venues at www.ArtsandVenuesDenver.com.

For questions, contact Shanna Shelby at Shanna.Shelby@denvergov.org

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It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact us through the emails below with three business days’ notice.

• For Interpretation Services: DAVLanguageAccess@denvergov.org
• For Sign Language Interpreter or Cart Services: DeafHHServices@denvergov.org
• For Other Disability Accommodations: DisabilityAccess@Denvergov.org