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The Arts Awards recognize the accomplishments of creatives, arts and cultural organizations, and local individuals committed to enriching our community through the arts. The four awards categories reflect the values of Spokane Arts: Leadership, Collaboration, Imagination and Inclusion. In each category, nominated artists, volunteers, neighborhoods, educators, organizations, community leaders, or donors are selected by a panel of Arts Commissioners and community arts representatives from the pool of community-nominated candidates. Emerging or established, young or old, on the edge or in the center – Spokane Arts strives to celebrate and recognize the wealth of participation in Spokane’s creative ecosystem.
THANK YOU for celebrating with us online for the annual Spokane Arts Awards!!! If you missed the livestream (or just want to re-watch!) the full broadcast is now available to watch free on our YouTube channel here!
It was such a treat to gather virtually and stay connected, even if we couldn’t be together in person. We’re so grateful to everyone who made this show possible, including Rogue Heart Media, Lucky You Lounge, Juan Mas, Michael Notar, Spokane Public Radio, Emma Noyes, ROSETHROW, ASL interpreter Jamie De Armas, Jenny Anne Mannan, Spokane Chinese Association, Jess Walter, Kathryn Smith, The Inlander, Gina Freuen, Vanessa Swenson, each of our nominees and everyone who took the time to nominate someone!!!
Winners of the 2020 Spokane Arts Awards were announced at the annual event on Saturday, September 26, which was held as a live-streamed broadcast from Lucky You Lounge. Learn more about this year’s event and the 2020 honorees here. The Arts Awards serve as the kick-off for Arts Month, the month-long celebration of arts and culture in Spokane to coincide with national arts and humanities month in October. Spokane Arts was honored to celebrate the life and work of Kate Vita, recipient of the Karen Mobley Impact Award, accepted by her husband Richard Vander Wende. Watch the video here.
The Arts Awards also serves as a kick-off for Arts Month! Each October during national arts and humanities month, we celebrate by promoting the diverse array of arts and cultural events in our area. This year there are a range of great events both in-person and online, from gallery and museum exhibits, to readings, panels, and workshops. Many area venues are working hard to find creative and thoughtful ways to continue reaching the community during the on-going coronavirus pandemic. Music venues, including Lucky You Lounge and Baby Bar are beginning live streamed concert series. Many galleries are open, although with limited hours or by appointment. Volunteers of America Spokane has transitioned their annual event, Eye Contact, into both an online event and a series of window displays. People can find a map of Arts Month events and additional event listings and details on the Spokane Arts Month page here starting October 1.
2019 Arts Awards
The 2019 Arts Awards was at Lucky You Lounge, a fantastic new venue to celebrate the culinary arts alongside the performing arts! The evening started with a full dinner by Chef Josh Grimes, special musical performances by Tonya Ballman and Shantell Jackson, and the opportunity to interact with blacksmith group Columbia Fire & Iron. The main Arts Awards Party included music by Ray Badness, interactive art, performances, the announcement of the next Spokane Poet Laureate, and the presentation of the annual Arts Awards!
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Every year, Spokane arts patrons have the opportunity to help us keep this event accessible and inclusive by purchasing a Sponsor an Artist ticket! By purchasing an artist tickets you can allow an artist to attend the celebration for free. Email Mika if you have questions about this opportunity. Don’t miss this annual celebration of arts, culture, and creativity in our community!
Nominees & Winners
2020 Awards
Winners of the 2020 Spokane Arts Awards were announced at the annual event on Saturday, September 26, which was held as a live-streamed broadcast from Lucky You Lounge. The Arts Awards serve as the kick-off for Arts Month, the month-long celebration of arts and culture in Spokane to coincide with national arts and humanities month in October. View the full broadcast for free on the Spokane Arts YouTube here!
Discover the Event2019 Awards
On September 28, 2019, Spokane Arts celebrated the arts community in Spokane by honoring nominees with awards in Leadership, Inclusion, Imagination, and Collaboration. The event was hosted at Lucky You Lounge. Click through to view our 2018 nominees and winners.
Discover the Event2018 Awards
On September 29, 2018, Spokane Arts celebrated the arts community in Spokane by honoring nominees with awards in Leadership, Inclusion, Imagination, and Collaboration. The event was hosted by the Montvale Event Center. Click through to view our 2018 nominees and winners.
Discover the Event2017 Awards
On November 4, 2017, Spokane Arts celebrated the arts community in Spokane by honoring nominees with awards in Leadership, Inclusion, Imagination, and Collaboration. The event was hosted in the McGinnity Room of the Spokane Club. Click through to experience the event.
Discover the Event