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Denver Arts & Venues opens applications and nominations for the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture to recognize programs, individuals and organizations that make significant and lasting contributions to the artistic, cultural and creative landscape in the City and County of Denver. 

Winners will be recognized through a $2,500 stipend, a video highlighting their achievements, and a piece of artwork created by artists from Access Gallery which will include a plaque commemorating the award. They will be honored at a luncheon award ceremony with 2021 winners. 

"Pop Culture Classroom was honored to be awarded the 2021 Mayor's Award for Excellence in Arts & Culture. This award means so much to our team and will help us bring even more arts and education programs to the youth of Denver,” said Adam Kullberg, executive director for Pop Culture Classroom. “We thank Denver Arts & Venues and the mayor for not only recognizing Pop Culture Classroom, but also recognizing the importance of art and culture in our city." 

Nominations are being accepted through Aug. 19 and applications are being accepted through Aug. 26 for the following categories:

ARTS & CULTURE YOUTH AWARD
This award is presented to a person under 24 that has made a noteworthy difference in the community through the arts or an organization that has significantly impacted the lives of youth in the City and County of Denver through the arts.

ARTS & CULTURE IMPACT AWARD
This award is presented to an individual or an organization that has made a significant and lasting impact on arts and culture in the City and County of Denver. This category requires that the nominee have at least 10 years of history in the arts in the City and County of Denver.

ARTS & CULTURE INNOVATION AWARD
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has found innovative and creative ways to make meaningful connections with community or partner with others through arts and culture during 2020 and 2021 – a time of shutdowns and social distancing.

ARTS & CULTURE EDI AWARD
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has focused on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) through their work. Nominees for this award may have: worked to integrate an equity practice into their operations, developed a specific program the supports communities that have been historically marginalized including people of color, people with disabilities or LGBTQIA+, presented an event centered in social justice and the arts, or may be able to demonstrate commitments and authentic partnerships with historically under-resourced communities. 

ARTS & CULTURE GLOBAL AWARD
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has brought Denver’s arts and culture to the national or world stage. Nominees for this category have received national or international recognition through collaboration, media coverage, or grant dollars received.

Individuals may nominate an individual or organization through a simple form and Arts & Venues will follow up with the nominee for more information. Alternatively, individuals and groups may apply for an award directly. 

Additional information is available online at www.ArtsandVenues.com/Mayors-Awards.