2025 Virginia Beach Champion for the Arts Award Nominations Now Open

The Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission is accepting nominations for the City’s 2025 Champion for the Arts. The 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.

Prior year nominees have made significant impacts through philanthropic contributions that expanded or initiated significant growth and reach for specific organizations or events. They also volunteered time and professional expertise, serving on boards and building capacity for organizations and events that benefit the public arts, culture and humanities industry.

Nominees have expanded access to the arts, participation and connection between locals and visitors, and increased 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, Rose Daria and Emma “Em” Davis.  

To nominate a Champion for the Arts, complete a nomination form online or download a printable form and mail it to Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, 201 Market St., Suite 204, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462. Submission deadline is May 1, 2025.

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, the ViBe Creative District and Virginia African American Cultural Center, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.