Arts United Awards

Distinguished Artist of the Year

Presented to an active, established artist of any creative discipline who has made significant contributions to their art form within Northeast Indiana. Nominations should be focused on contributions made between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

Emerging Artist of the Year

Presented to a current student* artist of any creative discipline who has demonstrated exceptional talent and accomplishment while still early in their career. Nominations should be focused on contributions made between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

*A student artist is defined as a person at the early stage of their artistic career who is currently enrolled in high school, postsecondary educational program, or education arts program (including ongoing instruction/lessons/mentorships. Age is not a factor in determining an artist’s qualification for this award category.

Margaret Ann Keegan Award for Arts Education

Presented to an individual(s) who has made a significant contribution to furthering arts education in Northeast Indiana. This award is intended to encourage further development of the arts education programs, to increase collaborative efforts between educators and arts organizations, and to increase awareness of the importance of the arts in education.

Outstanding Artistic Endeavor

Established to recognize an artistic project or event of any creative discipline that positively impacted and engaged residents within Northeast Indiana. Nominations should be focused on projects occurring between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and should demonstrate how the project was innovative, transformative, unique, and impactful on the community.

Volunteer of the Year

Presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to our community by serving as an advocate, ambassador, or volunteer for artists and/or arts organizations in Northeast Indiana. Nominations should be focused on contributions made between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.