ARTS & CULTURE AWARDS NOMINATIONS

We’re welcoming nominations to the 2026 Arts & Culture Awards! The Awards honor the people, organizations, projects and businesses that elevate Oregon’s rich cultural tapestry and creative spirit.

Nominations closed Sept. 4.
Thanks to all who shared! We are excited to celebrate with you Dec. 1.

Award categories include:

  • Emerging Cultural Innovator Award
    Honors an early-career artist or cultural worker showing exceptional promise and community impact. Eligibility: Individuals
  • Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Culture
    Honors an individual for sustained, decadeslong contributions that have shaped Oregon’s cultural landscape. Eligibility: Individuals and organizations
  • Traditional Arts and Culture Keepers Award
    Honors a traditional/folk artist or culture bearer in passing living traditions and cultural heritage to communities. Eligibility: Individuals 
  • Community Catalyst Award
    Recognizes an organization or community whose arts and culture work meaningfully improved a specific community or region. Eligibility: Communities or organizations
  • Youth Engagement Award
    For an organization engaging and expanding equitable arts and culture learning opportunities for K-12 youth. Eligibility: Organizations
  • Art and Culture in Public Places Award
    Celebrates outstanding public art and/or culture projects that enrich Oregon’s shared public spaces. Eligibility: Individuals, projects, organizations
  • Business of the Year Award:
    Distinguishes a business that has demonstrated consistent and significant support of arts and culture in a meaningful way. Eligibility: For-profit businesses.

A committee will review nominations and select the awardee from each category.

Learn more about the Arts & Culture Awards and Summit.

Want to help support the Summit? Learn more about partnerships!