NASAA’s Leadership Awards celebrate remarkable achievement in the state arts agency field. These awards are designed to showcase best practices within state arts agencies and regional arts organizations, as well as outstanding leadership. Awardees exemplify a commitment to public service and demonstrate how state government can creatively, effectively and efficiently facilitate public access to the arts.
State arts agencies play a pivotal role in helping people and places thrive, fostering creativity, connection and vitality in communities across the nation. Through their work, they ensure that the positive impact of the arts reaches all, no matter where they live. NASAA is delighted to honor the extraordinary leaders in our field who are committed to advancing the arts and helping communities flourish through the 2024 NASAA Leadership Awards. Their dedication and vision are illustrative of the transformative power of the arts.
NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux
Meet the 2024 Leadership Award Winners:
Maryland State Arts Council
The Maryland State Arts Council advances the arts by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, and equitable access and celebrates the arts as a contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland… More
Ayanna Lalia Kiburi
Deputy Director, California Arts Council
A self-proclaimed “artivist,” Ayanna Kiburi is known for her transformative leadership in the arts and public health sectors… More
Gerladine B. “Ginger” Warner
Chair, Ohio Arts Council
Ginger Warner has devoted much of her life to her passion for the arts and, in doing so, empowered others to pursue their creative potential and access arts… More
Carlos R. Ruiz Cortés
Executive Director, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
Carlos Ruiz Cortés was appointed executive director of the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (ICP) in January 2017 to implement and oversee public policy for arts, culture and heritage… More