Presented at the 2024 Alabama Arts Summit,
these awards will recognize the achievements of individuals, schools, and organizations committed to enriching their communities through the arts. Learn more about each award and nominate yourself or a colleague.

 The Alabama Arts Alliance proudly acknowledges individuals, schools, and organizations supporting the arts. We honor advocates biannually at the Alabama Arts Summit, recognizing their lasting impact on our communities. Rewarding changemakers matters to us.

Nominations are accepted electronically. To nominate, please complete the award application, (linked in the award description).  You will be required to upload one letter of recommendation. You may nominate in one or more categories.

DEADLINE – Nominations must be received by February 15, 2024.

Award recipients will be recognized in March 
at a special reception at Red Mountain Theatre


Education Awards

OUTSTANDING ELEMENTARY ARTS EDUCATOR Grades K-5

This award honors K-5th grade teachers from any arts discipline who exemplify the qualities and standards of what it means to be a great art educator, going above-and-beyond for their students.
https://forms.gle/UMkz3y79SfXQXeB19

OUTSTANDING INTERMEDIATE ARTS EDUCATOR Grades 6-8

This award honors 6th-8th grade teachers from any arts discipline who exemplify the qualities and standards of what it means to be a great art educator, going above-and-beyond for their students.
https://forms.gle/ZtyViQFfiGXY6sNc8

OUTSTANDING SECONDARY ARTS EDUCATOR Grades 9-12

This award honors 9th-12th grade teachers in any arts discipline who exemplify the qualities and standards of what it means to be a great art educator, going above-and-beyond for their students. https://forms.gle/MFpxPoVDNnrUGoDi8

OUTSTANDING HIGHER EDUCATION ARTS EDUCATOR

This award honors College and University educators in any arts discipline who exemplify the qualities and standards of what it means to be a great art educator, going above-and-beyond for their students.
https://forms.gle/LMyF1dioxgXZYbwm7

SCHOOL SYSTEM OF EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS 

This award recognizes a school system (LEA) that demonstrates broad-based achievement in Arts instruction and for advancing the Arts for all students. Inaugural recipient, Baldwin County Schools, Superintendent Mr. Eddie Tyler.
https://forms.gle/q4HSAcHGRmsfaABE6

Legislative Award

STATE LEGISLATOR ARTS LEADERSHIP AWARD

This award honors an individual State Legislator who has consistently advocated and supported the arts and culture sector and/or arts education in Alabama. Inaugural recipient, Senator “JT” Jabo Waggoner.
https://forms.gle/vGwvXo1DFk8AK9Kn6

Organization & Organizational Leadership Awards

IMPACT AWARD

This award is given to an organization or individual for outstanding commitment and dedication to children and the arts for innovative and creative programming, curriculum, teaching, and/or presenting. Previous recipients include, Jeanie Thompson, Executive Director, Alabama Writers’ Forum; Ann Cotton, Executive Director of the Cultural Arts Center, Dothan; Martha Lockett, Executive Director, Arts Alive in Selma; Pastor Arthur Price,16th St. Baptist Church, Birmingham; and Keith Cromwell, Red Mountain Theatre, Birmingham.
https://forms.gle/hzjPTfvJ3iM9q4pc8

MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD

This award is given to an individual who is a champion of arts education, an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment and dedication to children and arts education.

Previous recipients include Cathy Wright of Montgomery, John Scalici, Get Rhythm of Birmingham, Deri K. Grissett, Bellingrath Middle School, Montgomery; Kevin King, Founder and Director of King’s Canvas, Montgomery; and Heath Mixon, Executive Director ArtPlay, Birmingham.
https://forms.gle/Cu5E2xkeJRpJSdVs6

INCLUSION AWARD

This award is given to outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals that go out of their way to be inclusive and make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. You may nominate an individual or an organization. Inaugural recipient, Kimberly Kirklin, UAB Arts in Medicine, Birmingham.
https://forms.gle/6Q3dPcNQt4H4bdCy7

Advocacy Awards

OUTSTANDING ARTS ADVOCATE AWARD 

This award is given to recognize the accomplishments of an individual whose advocacy efforts have significantly increased support for arts education. Previous recipients include, Senator Hank Sanders, Representative Mac Gipson, Dr. Tommy Bice, Speaker of the House, Mac McCutcheon; and Andy Meadows, Arts Education Specialist, Alabama State Department of Education, Montgomery.
https://forms.gle/dgyWUrpdeViFf2DP9

Lifetime Achievement Award 

LEGACY AWARD

This award is given to recognize an individual who through their actions has left a legacy that impacted the arts and culture landscape and/or arts education (for example a retired teacher)  in Alabama and/or individuals in some way that will be remembered for years to come. The recipients will automatically be inducted into the Alabama Arts Alliance Hall of Fame. The Inaugural recipient was Mr. Al Head, former Executive Director of the Alabama State Council on the Arts. 2022 Recipient, Jean Schulman (posthumously).
https://forms.gle/3hicW7uCEcVhbLGU9

For more information or if you have any questions, contact Donna Russell, Executive Director (drussell@alartsalliance.org) OR Melissa Hughey, Chairman of the Board (mwhughey111@gmail.com)

We appreciate the 2024 Alabama Arts Summit Sponsors!!

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The Alabama Arts Alliance is a statewide partnership program of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, is a member of Americans for the Arts, the Southeastern Arts Advocacy Group, and a partner with the Alabama State Department of Education. Projects and programs are supported by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, South Arts Inc., Support the Arts License Tag Fund, and individual donations.

Equal Opportunity Policy: It is the official policy of the Alabama Arts Alliance that no person shall,
on the ground of race, sex, religion, color, creed, national origin, handicap, or age,
be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination
under any program, activity, or employment. Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with federal regulations may be directed to Donna Russell, Executive Director (drussell@alartsalliance.org)
or Melissa Hughey, Chairman of the Board (mwhughey111@gmail.com)
Alabama Arts Alliance, 400 South Union St., Suite 325 Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 269-1435

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