2024 Virginia Beach Champion for the Arts Award Nominations Now Open

The Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission is accepting nominations for the City’s 2024 Champion for the Arts. This award is presented annually to a person who has made a significant impact in Virginia Beach’s vibrant cultural and arts community through volunteer and/or philanthropic financial contributions.

Nominees over the years have made significant impacts through their philanthropic contributions, which have expanded or initiated significant growth and reach for specific organizations or events. They also have served as volunteers making impact through board service, applying their professional expertise to build capacity for organizations or events that benefit the public arts, culture, and humanities industry.

Contributions of nominees, both financial and through volunteerism, have expanded opportunities for access to the arts, participation and connection between locals and visitors, and have increased the quality of life and economic impact of the arts and culture scene in Virginia Beach. Previous Champion for the Arts recipients include Barbara Lewis, Tom and Juanita Felton, Barbara and Andrew Fine, Meredith and Brother Rutter, Nancy Creech, Marynell Gordon and Rose Daria.

To nominate your Champion for the Arts, complete a nomination form online or download a printable form. Deadline for submission is April 1, 2024.

The Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission will review applications, and announce an awardee in July, followed by a recognition ceremony at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in August.

About the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City’s Public Art Program, oversees the Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA and the ViBe Creative District, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.