Winners of the 39th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards which took place on October 1 were announced at the Lincoln Theatre, showcasing the District’s rich, artistic talent and cultural contributions.
“Washington, DC is home to some of the most dynamic creatives in the world,” said Mayor Bowser. “Through the Mayor’s Arts Awards, we are not only celebrating their extraordinary contributions but also recognizing the importance of investing in our creative community. These awards, and programs like 202Creates, Art All Night, and Theatre Week, are a reminder of the power of the arts to shape our city and inspire us all.”
This year’s theme, “Homecoming: Celebrating DC’s Creative Spirit,” reflected the vibrant arts scene across all eight wards. The event featured a diverse array of winners, selected through community nominations and voting across 14 categories.
“This year’s theme of ‘Homecoming’ is not just a celebration – it’s a declaration that DC is a global hub for creativity,” said OCTFME Director LaToya Foster. “Arts and creative production contributes $14 billion to our city’s vibrant economy. And yesterday’s honorees show that DC’s creative scene is diverse and thriving, and it’s an exciting time to be part of this city’s artistic legacy.”
Award Winners Include:
Excellence in Arts Education: Jazz Young
Recognized for significant contributions to arts education in the District.
Excellence as a Community Arts Philanthropist: Reggie Van Lee and Mary Brown
Honored for outstanding dedication to advancing the arts through philanthropy.
Excellence in the Creative Industries: DC Black Broadway
Acknowledged for its impactful contributions to the creative economy.
Excellence in Fashion and Beauty Industries: Kym Lee
Celebrated for elevating DC’s fashion and beauty communities.
Excellence in Go-Go Music: Backyard Band
Recognized for preserving and innovating within the Go-Go genre.
Excellence in the Humanities: DC Public Library
Honored for significant contributions in the humanities.
Excellence in Media Arts: Salih Williams
Recognized for outstanding achievements in media arts.
Excellence in the Nightlife Economy: QuickSilva
Celebrated for contributions to DC’s nightlife scene.
Excellence in Performing Arts: The Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture Program
Acknowledged for its impact on the performing arts community.
Excellence in Visual Arts: Reggie Gillumo and Maggie O’Neill
Recognized for significant contributions to visual arts.
Emerging Creative Award: Lex Marie
Celebrated for making strides in the early stages of their career.
Excellence in Youth Creativity: Girls Rock DC
Honored for empowering young creatives in the District.
Visionary Leadership Award: Simone Eccleston
Recognized for distinguished leadership in the arts and creative industries.
Larry Neal Writers’ Award: Deesha Dyer
Honored for significant contributions to writing and literature in DC.
This year, two new categories were introduced: the Award for Excellence as a Community Arts Philanthropist and the Award for Excellence in Go-Go Music, further highlighting DC’s unique cultural heritage.
The evening featured performances and appearances by notable artists, including Grammy-nominated host Raheem DeVaughn, Radio and TV personality Sunni And The City, Co-Host, EU featuring Sugar Bear, Crank Caviar, Eastern High School Marching Band, DCBX Live Dancers, Angie Ange, Amy K. Bormet, Londen Jones, Nadja Pessoa, DJ Farrah Flosscett, Tiera E. Williams, United States of America’s Miss DC
