The NASAA Leadership Awards program recognizes exemplary leadership and showcases the best practices of state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. All state arts agencies and regional arts organizations are strongly encouraged to submit nominations.
Nominations must be received by September 9, 2026. 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 state arts agency and regional arts organizations chairs and council members are eligible.
- Nominations may be made by any state arts agency staff or council member or any regional arts organization staff or council member.
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 leadership, innovative thinking, demonstrated commitment to public support for the arts and dedication to diverse artistic expression.
Eligibility and Submission
- All current and past state arts agency and regional arts organization executive directors are eligible.
- Nominations may be made by any state arts agency staff or council member or any regional arts organization staff or council member.
NASAA Arts Access Awards
Arts Access Agency Award
This award recognizes a state arts agency or regional arts organization that has demonstrated innovative and exceptional efforts to expand access to the arts and broaden opportunities for participation. Achievements may include (but are not limited to) professional development, organizational practices, programmatic initiatives, grantmaking strategies, community engagement, awareness raising, policy changes, or other efforts that help more people and communities participate in the arts. Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate an emerging or sustained commitment to expanding access, reducing barriers and ensuring that public investment in the arts reaches people and communities throughout their state or region.
Eligibility and Submission
- All state arts agencies and regional arts organizations are eligible.
- Nominations may be made by any state arts agency staff or council member or any regional arts organization staff or council member.
Arts Access Individual Award
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and exceptional efforts to expand access to the arts and broaden opportunities for participation in their state or region. Achievements may include (but are not limited to) serving as a catalyst for operational, programmatic or policy change; developing innovative approaches to reducing barriers to participation; fostering meaningful community engagement; advancing efforts that expand access to the arts; or other contributions that help more people and communities participate in the arts. Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate an emerging or sustained commitment to expanding access, reducing barriers and ensuring that public investment in the arts reaches people and communities throughout their state or region.
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 may also be made by any state arts agency staff or council member or any regional arts organization staff or council member.
If you have questions, please contact Katie Hughes at katie.hughes@nasaa-arts.org or 202-347-7067.