PRESS RELEASE:ANNUAL ARTS AWARD PLANNED WITH A NEW TWIST

​JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, May 18, 2020 – The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville 44th Annual Arts awards is scheduled for September 2, 2020. The theme for this year’s event is “Bridges: Connecting Arts, Business and Community”.  To work within the unknowns of the current public health and social climate, they have planned an exciting hybrid event that will combine videos and interactive streaming for a virtual Arts Awards event that can’t be missed.
 
 “Moving forward with this reimagined Arts Awards will actually allow us to acknowledge the extraordinary individuals and businesses who are advocates and champions of arts and culture in our city to a much broader audience", commented Jannet Walker-Ford, Cultural Council Chair.

“Originally, our theme of “Bridges” was about connecting our incredible artists and arts organizations with Jacksonville’s business community. Now, the theme has expanded to also mean re-connecting, as we emerge from the shut-down and begin to enjoy connecting with others outside of our homes,” said Joy Young, Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. 
 
Throughout the years, the annual gala has taken on different forms, but this is the first year it will not be an in-person event. 
 
“Jacksonville’s dynamic and high impact artists are the lifeblood of the local arts and culture industry, as well as the heartbeat of the Arts Awards event. This year, we are holding a virtual celebration to safely honor our city’s awardees and their good work during these unprecedented times,”  added Diana Donovan, Cultural Council board member. 
 
The award nominations are now open. There are numerous categories in which to nominate artists, businesses and community members who demonstrate exceptional skills, capabilities, and passion for arts and culture. A people’s choice category has been added to this year’s list of nominations, as well. The nominations will close on June 15th.
 
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW
 
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s mission is to enrich life in Northeast Florida by investing in arts and culture. They serve as the official regranting and administrative agency for City of Jacksonville funding to arts and cultural organizations, as well as provide several programs that benefit artists and arts and culture organizations of all disciplines.
 
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