Congressional Arts Leadership Award

Americans for the Arts in partnership with The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) has presented the Congressional Arts Leadership Award to a member of the United States Senate or House of Representatives since 1997. The award honors an individual who has consistently advocated for the expansion of federal support for the arts and culture and/or arts education.

Lt. Governors Arts Leadership Award

Americans for the Arts in partnership with the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) has presented the Lt. Governors Arts Leadership Award to Lt. Governor since 2006. The award honors an individual who has consistently advocated and supported the arts and culture and/or arts education in their state or territory.

State Legislator Arts Leadership Award

Americans for the Arts in partnership with National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has presented the State Legislator Arts Leadership Award to member of a state/territory legislature since 2006. The award honors an individual or group of individuals who have consistently advocated and supported the arts and culture and/or arts education in their state or territory.

County Arts Leadership Award

Americans for the Arts in partnership with National Association of Counties (NACo) has presented the County Arts Leadership Award to a county elected official since 1997. The award honors an individual or the entire county’s elected board who have consistently advocated and supported the arts and culture and/or arts education in their county.

Local Arts Leadership Award

Americans for the Arts in partnership with The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) has presented the Local Arts Leadership Award to a mayor since 1997. Beginning in 2011, two awards are presented each year instead of one. One award to a mayor of a city with a population of 100,000 or more and one to a mayor with a city population under 100,000. The awards honor an individual who has consistently advocated and supported the arts and culture and/or arts education in their city.

View all Local Arts Leadership Award awardees

City Council Leadership Award

Beginning in 2022, Americans for the Arts in partnership with the National League of Cities (NLC) honors city council members with the City Council Leadership Award. The awards honor an individual who has consistently advocated and supported the arts and culture and/or arts education in their city.

Citizen Artist & Artist Advocacy Awards

Americans for the Arts in partnership with The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) has presented the Citizen Artist & Artist Advocacy Awards to an artist(s) since 2001. The awards honor an individual or group who have used their position to consistently advocate and support the arts and culture and/or arts education in the United States.

Legendary Artist & Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Awards

Americans for the Arts in partnership with The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) has presented the Legendary Artist & Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Awards to an artist or elected official since 1997. The awards honor an individual or group who have used their position to consistently advocate and support the arts and culture and/or arts education in the United States.

Arts Organization Awards

Americans for the Arts in partnership with The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) has presented Arts Organization Awards since 1997. The awards honor an organization whose missions and activities have had a profound impact upon the arts and culture and/or arts education in the United States.