Do you know an exceptional woman who has made her mark on the St. Louis arts and culture scene?
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Saint Louis Visionary Awards, a distinction that recognizes female artists, dancers, painters, poets, singers, writers, graphic designers, filmmakers, photographers, educators, innovators and more, whose work has enhanced and impacted the arts throughout the metro area.
“The honorees are true visionaries whose focus and hard work have helped St. Louis create a vibrant cultural scene that enriches our community,” said Sara Burke, board co-chair of the Visionary Awards.
Award categories are:
- Outstanding Working Artist: Presented to a woman who has earned significant acclaim over an extended period of time and consistently displays excellence in the practice of her art form.
- Emerging Artist: Presented to an up-and-coming artist who has demonstrated her talent and a strong commitment to building her career in the arts.
- Community Impact Artist: Presented to a woman who uses the arts to create awareness about community issues and through her work promotes dialogue, breaks down barriers and sparks change.
- Outstanding Arts Professional: Presented to a woman who has dedicated her professional career to fostering creativity and encouraging ongoing participation in the arts. She raises the profile of her organization by causing a widespread impact on the St. Louis arts community.
- Outstanding Teaching Artist: Presented to a woman dedicated to providing artistic instruction to a range of students, as both a profession and lifestyle. She has made a strong impact on the individuals and community she has fostered through her role as an educator.
- Major Contributor to the Arts: Presented to a woman who has been a strong supporter of the arts through volunteering, serving on boards, donating and raising funds.
- Arts Innovator: Presented to a woman who has transformed the arts in St. Louis by founding or creating an organization or initiative.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to a woman who has had a long and distinguished career in the arts and has made a lasting impact in her field.
Nominations are due by Monday, Nov. 25, and forms are available on VizAwards.org. Individuals may nominate more than one candidate, and are allowed to nominate themselves. An independent review panel will select the 2020 award recipients, who will be announced in January.
The 2020 honorees will be recognized during the annual Visionary Awards ceremony on April 27 at the Sun Theater in the Grand Center Arts District. The program, which will include the awards ceremony, as well as artistic performances, will be co-hosted by Tania Beasley-Jolly and Penny Pennington.
