Mayor’s Arts Awards

The Mayor's Arts Awards. Illustration by Johnny Mac.

​​Celebrating Excellence in the Arts

The Mayor’s Arts Awards honor notable works of art, artistic achievements and arts events, and celebrate those who have contributed to the arts in our community. Award winners are chosen based on nominations submitted by community members.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Nominations are invited for individual artists, businesses, benefactors for the arts, arts educators, arts supporters, notable art related events and artistic achievements. Nominees should be limited to individuals and organizations that reside within the City limits of Bellingham.

Nomination Deadlines

The Mayor’s Arts Awards Nomination Form can be filled out anytime during the year. To be considered for the Spring 2024 award, nominations must be received by December 31, 2023. Awardees will be announced in early spring 2024 and invited to attend the Mayor’s Arts Awards Ceremony. The date of the ceremony will also be announced in spring 2024. 

Community Nomination Criteria

  • Only one nomination may be made per form.
  • The number of nominations received for each nominee has no bearing on the selection process.
  • It is highly advisable to collaborate with the nominee to ensure a competitive nomination packet.
  • Be sure to include all relevant details explaining your nomination.
  • Has not received a Mayor’s Arts Award within the past decade. See Previous Mayor’s Arts Award recipients.

This is the criteria by which the Mayor will make final selections for the Mayor’s Arts Awards after receiving nominations from the Arts Commission. While nominations do not need to meet each criteria, final selections will rely heavily on them:

  • “Uniquely Bellingham”
  • Shows continued success
  • Tangible connection to local arts community
  • Promotes tourism/culturalism
  • Fosters education
  • Strong nomination materials
  • Publicly nominated
  • Represent broad array of Arts community: performance, music, supporters/
    advocates, visual
  • Has not received a Mayor’s Arts Award within the past decade. See Previous Mayor’s Arts Award recipients.
  • Must meet deadline – December 31