The NASAA Leadership Awards program recognizes exemplary leadership and showcases the best practices of state arts agencies (SAAs) and regional arts organizations (RAOs). All SAAs and RAOs are strongly encouraged to submit nominations.

The deadline has been extended. The new deadline to submit nominations is June 3, 2022. Nomination forms are linked below.

Distinguished Public Service Award

This award honors an individual whose outstanding service, energy, creative thinking and leadership have had a significant impact on public support for the arts in their state or region.

ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION

• All current and past SAA and RAO chairs and council members are eligible.
• Nominations may be made by any SAA staff or council member or any RAO staff or council member.
• 2022 NASAA Distinguished Public Service Award nomination form

Luminary Award for Transformative Executive Leadership

The Luminary Award is inspired by Gary Young, an early leader in the state arts agency field. This award recognizes an executive director who has made a significant contribution to public support for the arts in their state or region. Ideal candidates exhibit exemplary and inspirational leadership, innovative thinking, demonstrated commitment to public support for the arts and dedication to diverse artistic expression.

ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION

• All current and past SAA and RAO executive directors are eligible.
• Nominations may be made by any SAA staff or council member or any RAO staff or council member.
• 2022 NASAA Luminary Award nomination form

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI) AWARDS

DEI Agency Award

This award recognizes a state arts agency or regional arts organization that has demonstrated innovative and exceptional efforts to be diverse, equitable and inclusive in its work. Achievements may include (but are not limited to) professional development, hiring practices, programmatic initiatives, advancing equitable grant making, awareness raising, policy changes, or other efforts that advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate an emerging or sustained commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION

• All state arts agencies and regional arts organizations are eligible.
• Nominations may be made by any SAA staff or council member or any RAO staff or council member.
• 2022 NASAA DEI Agency Award nomination form

DEI Individual Award

This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in addressing and raising awareness about issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in their state or region. Achievements may include (but are not limited to) serving as a catalyst for operational, programmatic or policy change; a noticeable respect for differing backgrounds and points of view; a commitment to valuing diversity, equity and inclusion above and beyond the call of duty; or other efforts that advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate an emerging or sustained commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION

• All individuals who are or have been affiliated with a state arts agency or regional arts organization are eligible.
• Individuals may nominate themselves. Nominations also may be made by any SAA staff or council member or any RAO staff or council member.
• 2022 NASAA DEI Individual Award nomination form

If you have questions, please contact Katie Hughes at katie.hughes@nasaa-arts.org or 202-347-6352 x108.