The 13th annual Mayor’s Arts Awards nomination forms are now available online at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/maa, until August 31. These awards recognize the artistic achievements and contributions to the cultural community of Ventura residents in seven categories:
Arts Patron, a business or individual whose strong support of the arts has been ongoing through philanthropic and/or volunteer service
Artist in the Community, an established individual artist in any discipline for artistic excellence and singular efforts in contributing to Ventura’s cultural vitality
Creative Entrepreneur, a locally owned for-profit business which exemplifies the impact and vitality of Ventura’s creative economy
Arts Leader, a nonprofit arts professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, organizational stewardship, and partnership within the arts community
Arts Educator, an individual or organization whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far-reaching
Emerging Artist, a working artist under 40 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to Ventura’s arts community (students are ineligible)
Student Artist, an active student artist in any discipline under the age of 19 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to the arts
“Ventura’s thriving art community allows us all to experience the beauty, stories, and diversity of our city,” said Mayor Erik Nasarenko. “The Mayor’s Arts Awards are an important way to showcase the exceptional work and talent of local artists, teachers, and patrons that enrich our city and contribute to the economic and cultural well-being in Ventura.”
In September, a panel of community members representing the arts and business worlds, will review applications based on: the significance and magnitude of the nominee’s contributions; leadership in the arts community and commitment to service to the arts; benefit and impact of the nominee’s contribution to the citizens of the City of Ventura; and potential contribution to the arts in the emerging artist and student artist categories. The panel’s selections will be presented to Cultural Affairs Commissioners who will make recommendations for the Mayor to approve. The Mayor will announce honorees on October 9, and present each recipient an award, at a reception on November 2, including a limited edition artwork, Mark of Excellence, created by Lis J. Schwitters. The awards are presented as a joint project of the City Manager’s Office and the Office of Cultural Affairs.
