Know an individual or organization making a difference in Seattle through the arts? Nominate them for a 2011 Mayor’s Arts Award. The nomination deadline is 5 p.m., Thursday, May 5. The online nomination form is available here .
“Forty years ago during another difficult economy, city leaders founded the Seattle Arts Commission because they believed support for the arts would enrich urban life. They were right. The arts have helped make Seattle the rich cultural city it is today” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “I look forward to honoring the inspiring accomplishments of artists and cultural organizations that have been shaping our city for many years.”
As the goal of the awards is to reflect the diversity of artistic achievement throughout the city, there are no preset award categories. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Seattle Arts Commission and the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. Nominators are encouraged to mark the milestone by putting forward people or organizations that have made a significant impact in the arts in Seattle during the last four decades.
The Seattle Arts Commission will review public nominations and recommend recipients to the mayor for final selection. The awards, which are non-monetary, are presented annually. This is the ninth year of the awards.
McGinn will honor recipients of the 2011 Mayor’s Arts Awards at a public ceremony at Seattle Center, 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1. He will also open the Bumbershoot Visual Arts Exhibits for a free public preview that day.
The awards are presented in partnership with Bumbershoot®: Seattle’s Music & Arts Festival and media sponsor City Arts magazine.