Arts Awards

48th annual arts awards

presented by AT&T 

September 5, 2025

Florida Blue Conference Center

SOLD OUT!

As the Cultural Council’s largest annual fundraiser, the Arts Awards recognize artistic excellence, celebrate the creative economy, and strengthen public-private partnerships. Your presence helps fan the flames of creativity in our community. With 92 cents of every dollar returning directly to the arts and culture sector, your support creates a more vibrant Northeast Florida for all.

This year’s Fire & Ice theme reflects the dynamic forces that fuel both quality of life and economic growth. When fire and ice meet, they make STEAM—a powerful symbol of how science, technology, engineering, arts, and math intersect sectors to drive our city forward.

2025 Arts Awards Winners & Catalyst Recognition

Art Educator: Don Zentz
Art of Giving: Renee Favo
Art Innovator: Brian Niece
Community Impact: Kemal Gasper
Robert Arleigh White Award for Advocacy: John A. Lumpkin II
Small Business of the Year: Blue Jay Listening Room
Corporate Business of the Year: Leadership Jacksonville
Helen Lane Founders Award: Dr. Milt Russos
Catalyst Recognition: Diane Brunet-García

Become an Arts Awards Sponsor

Full sponsor packet coming soon! For more information, contact Janet Wesley, Director of Development, janet@culturalcouncil.org.

2024 Arts Awards Winners & Catalyst Recognition

Meet and celebrate the individuals and organizations that have left an indelible mark on our cultural community and continue to shape the future of our city along with our 2024 Cultural Catalysts.

Relive the Magic

While we countdown to Arts Awards 2025, explore the galleries from the Arts Awards to relive the magic, the moments, and the memories that have shaped our journey.

View photos and event video to see the highlights that made this event truly special.

Thank you to our sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSOR

VIP SPONSORS

Award Sponsors

Advocate Sponsors

Supporter Sponsors

Entertainment Sponsors

Beverage partners

Media Partners

Arts Awards media coverage

Big Celebrations at Blue Jay Listening Room

News4Jax
Blue Jay turns 8 and has a big celebration party planned. Mix in that Cara and the venue won the Best Small Business Award from the Cultural Council and the energy for the party elevates.

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Celebrating art in Jacksonville with the Cultural Council

News4Jax
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (CCGJ), the City of Jacksonville’s legislated leading Local Arts Agency (LAA), will host its 48th Annual Arts Awards, presented by AT&T, on September 5.

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Celebrating the Arts in Jacksonville

WJXT
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (CCGJ), the City of Jacksonville’s legislated leading Local Arts Agency (LAA), will host its 48th Annual Arts Awards, presented by AT&T, on September 5.

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The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville Presents the 48th Annual Arts Awards

First Coast News

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Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville announces Arts Awards winners

The Recorder
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (CCGJ) will host its 48th Annual Arts Awards, presented by AT&T, on Sept. 5 at the Florida Blue Conference Center.

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The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (CCGJ) announced the top picks for its 48th Annual Arts Awards

Florida Politics
‘For nearly five decades, the Arts Awards have recognized creative leaders, cultural catalysts and artistic innovators who are defining Jacksonville’s thriving creative economy,’ said Diana Donovan, executive director of the CCGJ. ‘This year’s Fire & Ice theme reflects the dynamic forces that fuel both quality of life and economic growth. When fire and ice meet, they make STEAM – a powerful symbol of how science, technology, engineering, arts and math intersect to drive our city forward.’

Learn More

BIT OF JOY | 2025 Arts Awards winners

Jax Today
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville just announced the winners of its 2025 Arts Awards. The awards honor Jacksonville’s creative leaders and innovators and the people who support the city’s arts and culture:

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prepare for an evening that will captivate your heart and imagination. See you soon!

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