Arts Awards

Each Spring, ArtsWestchester recognizes individuals and organizations for their extraordinary impact on arts and culture in Westchester. The Arts Award has been presented since 1976 to recognize individuals and organizations whose vision, commitment and leadership have enriched the cultural life of Westchester, its communities and its citizens. We aim to spotlight the work of individual artists and organizations that provide opportunities to elevate local artists.

Arts Award Luncheon

Friday, March 13, 2025
Brae Burn Country Club

Arts Awards Categories


Arts Patron • Artist • Arts Organization • Community • Education • ADVANCING EQUITY

Arts Patron


A person who lives or works in Westchester County and has made a significant contribution to the arts through his/her extraordinary leadership, personal commitment, and philanthropic activities, providing consistent support of the arts without direct financial compensation to advance the arts in Westchester.

Artist


An artist who lives or works in Westchester County, and whose achievements in his/her discipline are nationally recognized.  Candidates must have produced a significant body of work that demonstrates a unique and compelling vision that has had an impact on the cultural world and on the general public.

Arts Organization


A Westchester County non-profit arts organization that has made important contributions to the growth of Westchester’s cultural life over a significant period of time and has had an impact beyond its immediate community.

Community


An artist, individual group organization or agency that has demonstrated extraordinary vision and leadership in using the arts to enhance community life, increase access to cultural experiences, or to enrich the county’s cultural heritage.  Candidates have a long-standing involvement in the arts rather than involvement in a one-time initiative.

Education


An artist, individual, group, school district, or organization who, through extraordinary vision and leadership, has enriched education in Westchester. Generally, honorees demonstrate a significant level of accomplishment over and above the standards of excellence in their profession.

Advancing Equity Award


Recognizes both a non-profit cultural organization and an artist that demonstrate exemplary leadership in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through and in the arts. Organizations may be nominated for specific programs or initiatives, or for broader service and mission. The award comes with cash grants to support the recipients in their ongoing work.