8th Annual
Mayor's Award for the Arts

Mayor Mark Begich and the Anchorage Arts Advisory Commission are soliciting nominations for the eighth annual Mayor’s Awards for the Arts.  The awards will be presented at a reception at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 5:30 pm.  Please plan to attend.

All nominees should be current residents of the Municipality of Anchorage, with the exception of the Individual Artist Award. In that case, the nominee must have produced the majority of his or her work while a resident of Anchorage.  The categories include artists and arts groups from the performing, visual and literary arts.

Below is a description of the six categories. On the following page is a nomination form. Please follow the directions for completing the nominations. Nominations are due Wednesday, March 12, 2008.

1.  THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST AWARD

Includes but is not limited to the following:

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated artistic excellence. Considerations are quality and/or originality of work, commitment to their art, the scope of the artist’s influence, creative contributions to the municipality and other recognition the artist may have received.

2.  OUTSTANDING ARTS GROUP OR ORGANIZATION AWARD

Includes established arts organizations whose contributions to the arts enhance the community.
This award recognizes groups or organizations that have demonstrated artistic excellence. Considerations are quality and/or originality of work, commitment to their art, the scope of the group or organization’s influence, creative contributions to the municipality and other recognition the group or organization may have received.

3.  CHAMPION OF THE ARTS AWARD

Includes individuals and groups whose support of the arts, through financial contributions or service, has demonstrated leadership that makes a significant impact on the arts in Anchorage.
Nominees are evaluated based on the number of years of commitment to the arts and their level of support. Support may be financial in nature or take the form of service to arts organizations.

4.  YOUTH ARTS AWARD

Includes individuals or organizations whose efforts advance arts among the youth of Anchorage.  Nominees will be evaluated based on their commitment to arts for young people and the impact that their efforts have achieved. This category includes arts educators.

5.  KAY LINTON, VOLUNTEER FOR THE ARTS AWARD

Includes individuals whose support of the arts, through volunteer service, has made a significant impact on the arts in Anchorage.
Nominees are evaluated based on the number of years of commitment to the arts and their level of support.

6.  LORENE HARRISON AWARD (SPECIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD)

Recognizes individual artists who are widely regarded for achievements in their chosen field.

Following are the Mayor's Award for the Arts Winners from 2001 to 2007.