Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville Announces 47th Annual Arts Awards and Winners

by 904 Newsroom
August 28, 2024

Artists, nonprofits, businesses and philanthropists to be celebrated at Annual Awards this October

Jacksonville, Fla. –– August 14, 2024 –– The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (CCGJ) today announced one of their most anticipated events of the year, the 47th annual Arts Awards, will take place on October 4 at the Florida Blue Conference Center. The event will honor this year’s award winners with an unforgettable evening celebration.

As the City of Jacksonville’s official leading Local Arts Agency (LAA), the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville stands as the preeminent cultural organization in Northeast Florida and has proudly served as the trusted steward of the city’s funding for arts and culture nonprofits and organizations for decades. The Cultural Council currently manages the Cultural Service Grant (CSG) Program, serving over 30 local cultural nonprofits that provide the city more than $114 million in creative economic impact, and manages the city’s Art in Public Places (APP) program.

This year’s intentional “Futuristic” themed event elegantly captures the innovative and creative future of Jacksonville’s cross-sector momentum, with arts and culture as the defining thread of success that runs through them all. This dynamic annual event serves as the Cultural Council’s largest annual fundraiser for regranting and matchmaking funding needed in real-time for our community. This event is an opportunity to come together and share the collective achievements of our creative sector, celebrating artists, cultural organizations and the initiatives shaping Jacksonville’s future.

“Through a 47-year tradition, we have had the honor of highlighting our preeminent artists, cultural leaders and catalysts from our local communities, and championing the impact these individuals and businesses have on our city as whole,” said Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville Executive Director, Diana Donovan. “The Arts Awards brings together our creative and corporate sectors for a night of celebration, showcasing the remarkable talents and contributions that drive our community forward. We are honored to recognize this year’s award winners and celebrate the new cultural era we are creating together.”

The Cultural Council believes in the power and the voice of the community in both the nomination and selection process. The winners were nominated by the community and selected by a comprehensive panel of volunteers, peer leaders, former winners, artists and community representatives for the 2024 Arts Awards.

The winners in each of the eight categories are:

Helen Lane Founders Award, which honors a leader who integrates arts and culture into everyday life within their community: Jason Peoples, Executive Director of Jacksonville Arts & Music School (JAMS)
Corporate Business of the Year, which honors a business that graciously gives support to arts and cultural programs and organizations: PNC Bank

Robert Arleigh White Award For Advocacy, which honors an individual who fosters an environment of educating and learning of the benefits of the arts: Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood, Program Director, The Performance Academy

Small Business of the Year, which honors an organization that has fewer than 250 employees and graciously gives support to arts and cultural programs and organizations despite its size: The Walrus

Art Innovator, which honors an individual who creates new and innovative ideas to benefit the community: David Luckin, Music Director and Radio Host, WJCT

Art Educator, which honors an individual who demonstrates dedication to enriching their students with a passion for the arts: Amanda Holloway, Art Educator at GOCA Arts

Art of Giving, which honors an individual or couple who stewards their resources to fund, support and sustain arts and culture programs: Carol Grimes, Arts Advocate and Philanthropist

Community Impact Award, which honors an individual or organization who has a record of visible transformational results that are evident within their community, and a commitment to impacting others’ lives: John Silveira, Manager and Director of Riverside Arts Market (RAM)

From individuals and artists, to businesses, nonprofit organizations and philanthropists, the talent in and commitment to Northeast Florida is truly unmatched,” said Donovan. “We invite the community to join us for a special evening celebrating the achievements of these outstanding arts and culture leaders making a difference in the future of our city.”

Proceeds from this event will benefit youth, families, military, veterans, cultural nonprofits and public art in our community. As the premier regranting agency for arts and culture, the Cultural Council averages 92 cents of every dollar going back into the community. Purchasing a ticket to the event or becoming an event sponsor supports the promising future of arts and culture in Jacksonville.

Limited tickets are available for the Arts Awards. To secure your tickets, more information about the 2024 Arts Awards or to read full bios on our award winners

Get Information Here

About the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville:
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville aims to enrich life in Northeast Florida by investing in Arts and Culture. Founded more than 50 years ago, the Cultural Council operates as a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is designated as the official Local Arts Agency (LAA) by ordinance for the City of Jacksonville. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors and provides a range of services to ignite the creative economy and to address the ever-changing needs of the arts and cultural sector and broader community.

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