The 32nd Annual Mayor's Arts Awards

Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 7 pm

Historic Lincoln Theatre | 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC

Red Carpet Arrivals | 6:00 PM

Awards Ceremony | 7:00 PM

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The Mayor’s Arts Awards are the most prestigious honors conferred by the District on individual artists, teachers and nonprofit organizations. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) will present the 32nd Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards at the Historic Lincoln Theatre on September 14, 2017.

At the public awards ceremony in September, three individuals will be recognized as special honorees. Wilhelmina Cole Holladay, co-founder of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, will receive the Mayor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. Ari Roth, artistic director of Mosaic Theatre Company, will receive the Mayor's Arts Award for Visionary Leadership. Jazz musician and educator Davey Yarborough will receive the Mayor's Arts Award for Distinguished Honor.

In addition, twenty-four individuals and organizations are finalists for Mayor's Arts Awards across six categories: Excellence in the Creative Industries, Excellence in Performing Arts, Excellence in the Humanities, Excellence in Visual Arts, The Larry Neal Writers' Award and the Mayor's Award for Arts Education. All nominees for these award categories are publically submitted.

"The individuals and organizations being honored at the 32nd Annual Mayor's Arts Awards add to the vibrancy of Washington, DC and help us define who we are as a city. Today, our creative economy is a powerful driver of economic development, helping revitalize neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents in all eight wards," said Mayor Bowser. "Washington, DC is rich with arts and culture, and we are proud to highlight the hardworking professionals who make life better for Washingtonians and visitors alike."

"This year's special honorees and finalists represent the depth of professionalism and talent in the District's arts and humanities communities," said Commission on the Arts and Humanities Executive Director Arthur Espinoza, Jr. "It is an honor for us to showcase their accomplishments at the Mayor's Arts Awards to the entire city."

Finalists for the 32nd Annual Mayor's Arts Awards