Nominations Now Open for Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture

 

DENVER – Denver Arts & Venues is pleased to announce nominations are now open for the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture.

 

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 2026 awards will recognize artists, cultural leaders, organizations and creative businesses whose work supports the DENVER CREATES commitments and contributes to a vibrant, diverse and inclusive city.

 

“For nearly 40 years, these awards have celebrated the people and organizations shaping Denver’s cultural identity,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “I encourage every Denverite to nominate an artist, organization or creative business whose work has made our city more vibrant.”

 

Winners will be recognized through a $2,500 stipend, a video highlighting their achievements and an original artwork created by a local artist. They will be honored at an award ceremony in December.

 

Nominations are accepted now through Tuesday, Aug. 18. in the following categories:

 

ACCESS IN ARTS & CULTURE AWARD
This award recognizes an individual or organization whose work expands access to arts and culture in Denver. 

 

COMMUNITY IN ARTS & CULTURE AWARD
This award recognizes an individual or organization whose work strengthens Denver’s cultural community and supports a vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem. 

 

ECOMONIC VITALITY IN ARTS & CULTURE AWARD

This award recognizes an individual, organization or creative business whose work strengthens Denver’s cultural sector and contributes to the city’s economic vitality.

 

YOUTH IMPACT IN ARTS & CULTURE AWARD
This award recognizes either a young person age 24 or younger who is making a positive contribution to arts and culture in Denver, or an individual, organization, creative business or program that creates a positive impact for Denver youth through the arts. Eligible youth-serving work must primarily benefit young people in Denver age 24 or younger.

 

VIBRANT DENVER AWARD IN ARTS & CULTURE
This award recognizes an individual, organization or business demonstrating exceptional leadership, service and vision that has significantly advanced Denver’s cultural vibrancy and well-being. This could include work in the sector or beyond that incorporates arts and culture into everyday experiences. 

 

For more information, visit ArtsandVenues.com/Mayors-Awards.

 

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About Denver Arts & Venues

Denver Arts & Venues’ mission is to enrich Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through the advancement of arts, culture and entertainment opportunities for all. Denver Arts & Venues oversees Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum, Theatre at Loretto Heights and McNichols Civic Center Building, using proceeds from events at these venues to run and maintain these facilities and to provide access to art for all through free and low-cost community events, grants for artists and arts organizations, public art and art education. Using Good Times, For Good. For more information, visit www.ArtsandVenues.com